The Wanderings and Homes of Manuscripts

"The Wanderings and Homes of Manuscripts" by M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James is a book that explores the past lives and safekeeping of old handwritten documents. It looks at how these documents, especially those written in Greek and Latin, were made, gathered, and kept safe over time. The book aims to encourage people to get interested in learning about the stories behind these manuscripts. The author begins by explaining how important manuscripts are for keeping records and stories from the past alive. He then gives special attention to manuscripts from Eton College, sharing information about where they came from and how they moved around over the centuries. The book starts with a close look at a few specific manuscripts, describing their features and how they were obtained, while weaving in interesting stories and historical facts that show how these texts have survived through different times, owners, and places. This introduction prepares the reader for a wider look at where manuscripts come from and the many tales they hold within their pages.