ANZAMEMS Member News: Chantelle Saville – PATS (2016) Report

Chantelle Saville, Doctoral Candidate, University of Auckland

In the words of Prof. Rodney Thomson: “The more you know about manuscripts before you start looking at them, the more you’ll find.” The Manuscript Book Postgraduate Advanced Training Seminar was the perfect opportunity to gain some valuable palaeographical skills, fast. The course covered two intensive days during which Prof. Thomson introduced us to the history and technology of early book production. We learnt how to differentiate between Carolingian Minuscule, Gothic and Cursive hands, as well as important codicological information such as folio numbering systems and the forms of scribal abbreviation.

One of the privileges enjoyed on the course was the chance to examine and handle the manuscripts held at the Fisher Library (University of Sydney), including the glorious Spanish Historical Music Manuscripts. Prof. Margaret Manion provided us with a wonderful discussion of the decoration and illuminations in the collection, bringing the manuscripts to our desks and explaining features in detail. Because part of my doctoral dissertation involves collating and transcribing from four fourteenth-century manuscripts, the instruction provided during the course was hugely useful to me. Most exciting, however, was the opportunity to ask Prof. Thomson for advice regarding a couple of difficulties I had had when dealing with my own primary sources. He was able to answer my questions on the spot!

It was a real delight to speak to colleagues who share my passion for palaeography, and to hear about their research. Certainly, I have come away from the seminar with many fond memories and new friends. I’d like to thank Dr Nicholas Sparks and ANZAMEMS for enabling me to attend The Manuscript Book PATS by providing a bursary for travel and accommodation. With luck, sometime in the near future I will be able to share findings from my manuscript research with others at an ANZAMEMS conference or event.