A useful new open-access publication! Georgi Parpulov has compiled a fresh catalogue of manuscripts containing the medieval chain-commentaries (“catenas”) on the Greek New Testament. It’s being [published by Gorgias Press, here, but a free PDF is available here. Get it now while it’s hot!
From Gorgias Press:
The book is a synoptic catalogue of a large class of Greek manuscripts: it describes all pre-seventeenth century copies of the Greek New Testament in which the biblical text is accompanied by commentary. Manuscripts where this commentary consists of combined excerpts (catena) from the works of various authors are described in particular detail. Those that have similar content are grouped together, so that the potential relatives of any given manuscript can be easily identified. Several previously unknown types of catenae are distinguished and a number of previously unstudied codices are brought to light for the first time. To ensure its longer shelf-life, the volume systematically references on-line electronic databases (which are regularly updated). It will be of use to anyone interested in Byzantine book culture and in biblical exegesis.
I remember that Eusebius’ Gospel Problems and Solutions included fragments of the work quoted by Nicetas of Heraclea in the catena on Luke. It was very hard to find source material. I’ve written before on catenas, and they are a very neglected area. This catalogue must be of very great value. Thank you, Dr. P.!
The database connected with the catalogue is also now released, at: http://purl.org/itsee/catena-catalogue
The Clavis Clavium records will be updated for the next release of that platform.
Thank you!