The Cairo Genizah and the Age of Discovery in Egypt - The History and Provenance of a Jewish Archive (Paperback)

The Cairo Genizah is considered one of the world's greatest Hebrew manuscript treasures. Yet the story of how over a quarter of a million fragments hidden in Egypt were discovered and distributed around the world, before becoming collectively known as "The Cairo Genizah," is far more convoluted and compelling than previously told. The full story involves an international cast of scholars, librarians, archaeologists, excavators, collectors, dealers and agents, operating from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth century, and all acting with varying motivations and intentions in a race for the spoils. Basing her research on a wealth of archival materials, Jefferson reconstructs how these protagonists used their various networks to create key alliances, or to blaze lone trails, each one on a quest to recover ancient manuscripts. Following in their footsteps, she takes the reader on a journey down into ancient caves and tombs, under medieval rubbish mounds, into hidden attic rooms, vaults, basements and wells, along labyrinthine souks, and behind the doors of private clubs and cloistered colleges. Along the way, the reader will also learn about the importance of establishing manuscript provenance and authenticity, and the impact to our understanding of the past when either factor is in doubt.

General

Imprint:	I.B. Tauris
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	February 2022
Authors:	Rebecca J. W. Jefferson
Dimensions:	234 x 156 x 28mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	288
ISBN-13:	978-1-78831-964-5
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > 500 to 1500 Books > Humanities > History > Asian / Middle Eastern history > General Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Ethnic studies > Jewish studies Books > Humanities > Archaeology > Archaeology by period / region > Middle & Near Eastern archaeology > Egyptian archaeology Books > History > Asian / Middle Eastern history > General Books > History > World history > 500 to 1500 Promotions
LSN:	1-78831-964-8
Barcode:	9781788319645

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