Insights Hidden in Plain Sight

Allen, G. (2020) Insights Hidden in Plain Sight. [Audio]

Abstract

We think a lot about how people consume content today. Take a single book, for example. From the title of the book to the size of the page to the color of the ink and the selection of images. The content is framed and shaped by its surroundings. And those surroundings influence how you read and understand it. But too few take that insight into consideration when studying ancient religious manuscripts. We toil over the most accurate translation of these manuscripts, which is important, but by focusing solely on the text, are we missing cues to understanding the author’s intent? What do we overlook when we don’t pay attention to the elements surrounding the text, or the “paratext”? Dr. Garrick Allen of Dublin City University is working with one particular illuminated Gospel manuscript (CBL W 139) in the collection of the Chester Beatty to construct an initial taxonomy of the ways that paratexts contribute to our understanding.

• Item Type: Audio
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Allen, Professor Garrick
• Authors: Allen, G.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies