Philology in Europe before and after 1800: Change and Continuity

Philology in Europe before and after 1800 investigates a period often regarded as a watershed moment in the history of the humanities. Since the nineteenth century, the decades around 1800 have been considered a time of radical change, introducing a new, modern era of scholarship distinct from the one preceding it. By probing and challenging this narrative of breakage, the volume explores continuities and transformations in philological practices during this pivotal time, providing a distinctly wide-ranging perspective on the evolution of philology. Setting a long chronological horizon, the volume brings together two ages in the history of philology usually treated apart, the early and late modern periods. It also takes a transnational approach, following philological practice across countries, in Europe and beyond. So, too, it crosses (today’s) disciplinary boundaries, including biblical studies and classics as well as Arabic, Sanskrit, and Chinese philologies. Revolving around four themes – debates, instruments, communication, and collaborations – the chapters treat a broad range of topics, not only focusing on the successes but also the failures of philologists and the material conditions underlying their work. Overall, the book expands our understanding of the practices, ambitions, and legacies of philology across the supposed watershed of 1800. It will be of interest to scholars of philology and cultural history and to those concerned with interdisciplinary approaches to the humanities.