Books and Readers in the Early Church: A History of Early Christian Texts

Rating:
Summary: depth of scholarship, also readable
Review: Though the title is correct in indicating that the topic is esoteric, it is a joy to read a book that is well written and well researched. Among other contributions, Gamble presents a well-argued hypothesis on the origin of the codex, in place of the scroll. He also gives his understanding of how many (how few!) people could read in the early church, and how they learned to read, and how they read (out loud). His discussion of how books were circulated, copied, stored was interesting to me.

Those who enjoy church history, or the history reading-writing will find much to stimulate them. This book is not for everybody, but those interested in the topics covered will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: depth of scholarship, also readable
Review: Though the title is correct in indicating that the topic is esoteric, it is a joy to read a book that is well written and well researched. Among other contributions, Gamble presents a well-argued hypothesis on the origin of the codex, in place of the scroll. He also gives his understanding of how many (how few!) people could read in the early church, and how they learned to read, and how they read (out loud). His discussion of how books were circulated, copied, stored was interesting to me.

Those who enjoy church history, or the history reading-writing will find much to stimulate them. This book is not for everybody, but those interested in the topics covered will not be disappointed.