Introduction to Divine and Human Readings

by Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus, Leslie Webber Jones (Translator)

From A.D. 503 to 539, Cassiodorus held a succession of important political offices under four Ostrogothic rulers, and strove to build a strong Italian state in which Gothic and Roman elements might work harmoniously together. In 539, he began a second career, which proved to be of even greater writing a commentary on the Christian Scriptures, assembling an important collection of theological and classical works, and establishing precise rules for copying and preserving the manuscripts.The two books in the present volume belong to the monastic phase of Cassiodorus' activities. Book I considers the nature of the Bible and the importance of various ecclesiastical and secular works as keys to its understanding, and sets forth procedures for copyists. Book II is a treatise on the seven liberal grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.Cassiodorus' signal contribution was to transform the monastery into a theological school and scriptorium, where the writings of the Church fathers and of classical antiquity could be preserved, multiplied, and studied. In his work he brought together the vigor of Germany and the culture of Rome, and made possible systematic bridges between the ancient and medieval world.

Genres: Education

233 pages, Textbook Binding

First published January 1, 555

About the author

Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus, Roman statesman, wrote Chronicon , a universal history to 519, and Institutiones , a broad course of study for a monastery.

Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator (circa 485 – circa 585), commonly known, served in the administration of Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths. Senator formed part of his surname, not his rank.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassiod...

Reviews

[Ben Sibley]

Partial

[Skylar · Rating 4 out of 5]

an excellent introduction to many books! the secular letters have been more widely spread for a reason, but the divine letters are worth a review of as well.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly delightful.