Description
of Collection
Content description
The collection includes Oriental christian literature in languages other than Arabic, Persian and Turkish, letters and documentary material in the form of papyrus fragments, and Demotic ostraca.
History and development
The material was acquired over the last 250 years by purchase and donation. The latest major addition to the collection, a donation fo several hundred papyrus fragments, was received in Feburary 2001.
Strengths
Though small in number, the library's collection of Syriac manuscripts is representational, and contains some unique codices. The most prominent of these is the so-called 'Buchanan Bible', thought to be the oldest version of the Peshitta. The collection includes a large number of Coptic papyri, containing christian literature and general writings. There is one elegantly illuminated Armenian manuscript.
General arrangement and access regulations
The material is arranged by language and form. Please note that the 'Buchanan Bible', owing to its state of conservation, is not normally issued to readers. However, there are two microfilms available, which may be consulted. Readers wishing to study the text in the original must obtain the written permission of the University Librarian to do so.
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Subjects of the
Collection
Regions of AsiaNear & Middle East and North Africa. Languages of materialArmenian, Coptic, Egyptian (Ancient), Geez, Georgian, Mongolian, Syriac. SubjectsHistory, Literature, Philosophy, Religion. Names relevant to the collection:Thompson, H. Michaelides |
