The History of Literature
641 Blood, Guts, and Books - Inside the Medieval Scriptorium (with Sara Charles) | My Last Book with Elizabeth Coggeshall
Oct 10, 2024
Sara Charles, author of "The Medieval Scriptorium: Making Books in the Middle Ages," sheds light on the gritty realities of medieval manuscript production, revealing it was far from the serene image often depicted. She discusses the laborious process, the materials used, and the often-overlooked contributions of women. Dante scholar Elizabeth Coggeshall shares her thoughts on the powerful connection between death and literature through her choice for the last book she'll read, intertwining personal loss and literary reflection with insights into Dante's works.
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Quick takeaways
- The production of medieval manuscripts was a chaotic, collaborative effort involving multiple artisans beyond just the scribe, challenging romanticized notions of solitary writing.
- Understanding the diverse contributions to book-making can enhance our appreciation of literature and the tangible experience of engaging with books.
Deep dives
The Illusion of Book Production
Books often appear as immaculate objects produced effortlessly, but the reality of their creation involves significant effort and collaboration among various individuals. The podcast highlights the intricate process of what goes into making a book, from writing to binding, emphasizing that this effort is frequently overlooked. The romanticized view of writing, dominated by the solitary figure of the scribe, obscures the multitude of contributors, including artists, proofreaders, and designers, whose labor is essential. It suggests that understanding these contributions can deepen appreciation for literature and the tactile experience of books.
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