A Sixth-Century Fragment of the Letters of Pliny the Younger

A newly examined fragment from the Pierpont Morgan Library brings an unexpected glimpse of a sixth‑century copy of Pliny the Younger’s letters. Consisting of six vellum leaves, the manuscript predates all previously known codices by three centuries, offering scholars a rare window onto the early transmission of a classical author. The introduction sets the scene of how the fragment resurfaced after centuries of obscurity and why its preservation matters to both classicists and manuscript experts.

The study is divided into two complementary parts. The first author provides a meticulous palaeographic analysis, describing the uncial script, page layout, and physical characteristics of the vellum leaves. The second author follows with a careful textual commentary, presenting transcriptions of the passages from Books II and III and noting variations that illuminate the text’s early history. Facsimile plates accompany the discussion, allowing listeners to visualize the ancient hand.

Beyond the scholarly details, the volume captures the excitement of early‑twentieth‑century research, highlighting the collaboration between institutions and the dedication required to bring such a fragile piece of history to light. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for how classical works survived through the ages and the meticulous work involved in uncovering their earliest witnesses.