Manuscript History Quiz: Trivia!

1.

The manuscript books were expensive and were ordered for people in high places (bishops, cardinals, princes etc)

Yes

No

It took time and effort to procuce a codex and only the privileged could afford it. Besides people were illiterate.

Explanation

It took time and effort to procuce a codex and only the privileged could afford it. Besides people were illiterate.

2.

The parchment was goat/sheep/calf skin, specially prepared to be written on.

Yes

No

Sometimes from deer, antilope and ostrich skin too!

Explanation

Sometimes from deer, antilope and ostrich skin too!

3.

On the last page of the manuscript, the "colophon", the scribe thanked God for finishing the painful task.

Yes

No

The given statement indicates that the scribe thanked God for completing the painful task on the last page of the manuscript. This implies that the scribe did express gratitude towards God for finishing the task. Therefore, the answer is "Yes".

Explanation

The given statement indicates that the scribe thanked God for completing the painful task on the last page of the manuscript. This implies that the scribe did express gratitude towards God for finishing the task. Therefore, the answer is "Yes".

4.

Illuminated manuscripts are books with wonderful drawings in the golden background.

Yes

No

Illuminated manuscripts are indeed books that contain beautiful drawings and illustrations. These drawings are often created on pages with a golden background, which adds to their aesthetic appeal. Therefore, the statement "Illuminated manuscripts are books with wonderful drawings in the golden background" is accurate.

Explanation

Illuminated manuscripts are indeed books that contain beautiful drawings and illustrations. These drawings are often created on pages with a golden background, which adds to their aesthetic appeal. Therefore, the statement "Illuminated manuscripts are books with wonderful drawings in the golden background" is accurate.

5.

Books always looked like what they are today. Many pages bound in a harder cover.

Yes.

No

The first books were made of stone. Then came cylinders (scrolls) made of papyrus. In the 2nd century b.C. the parchment was used.

Explanation

The first books were made of stone. Then came cylinders (scrolls) made of papyrus. In the 2nd century b.C. the parchment was used.

6.

The manuscripts reigned for about 1000 years.

Yes

No

Until the invention of typography in the West by Gutenberg (1455 printing the Bible)who also used paper, earlier known in Europe from the Chinese.

Explanation

Until the invention of typography in the West by Gutenberg (1455 printing the Bible)who also used paper, earlier known in Europe from the Chinese.

7.

The scribe's job was easy and relaxing in his own room in peace and quiet.

Yes

No

It was a hard and painful task. The monks complained of dry eyes and sore backs.

Explanation

It was a hard and painful task. The monks complained of dry eyes and sore backs.

8.

The scribe (the monk who made the book) made the codex from the beginning to the end. Preparing the parchment, drawing the lines, writing, illustrating, making initials, and finally binding.