This course introduces students to textual editing, especially of Latin writings belonging to the earlier and later medieval philosophical and theological tradition. First, students will learn about the fractious history and the theories of editing texts, both before and since print, as well as some approaches to particular issues that emerge when dealing with philosophical and theological writings: handling Scriptural quotations, identifying interlocutors, finding (mis)quotations, determining which translations of non-Latin texts our authors may have been using. Students will also be introduced to textual databases and resources, and shown how these can serve editors. Alongside these historical and methodological sessions, we will apply the theory by working on some manuscripts online and in London manuscript libraries: on a text in Patristic theology with Dr Hadas, and on one in fourteenth-century scholasticism with Dr Toth. Students will acquire the skills of deciphering abbreviations, transcribing and collating manuscripts, and producing an edited text. By the end of the course, students will have built a sound theoretical and practical foundation for working with texts that have never been edited, or that lack modern critical editions. Given the acute need for new editions in the relevant fields, this can open up a vast new territory for students’ research in medieval philosophy and theology.  

 
This course is ideal for graduate students. While the course does not assume any palaeography skills, students should have a good working knowledge of Latin.

Course tutors: Dr Daniel Hadas & Dr Zita Toth

Fees

The fee for the London International Palaeography School 2026 includes the provision of documentary materials.

	Rate per course
Standard	£675
Concession*	£490

*student/unwaged

Please get in touch with the Summer Schools Administrator if you have any questions (iesevents@sas.ac.uk) 

Bursaries 2026

We are pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries for attendance at the IES London International Palaeography School. We are grateful for the support of the Bibliographical Society, who have kindly provided funds for these bursaries.

• Bursaries will be offered for a fee reduction.
• Applications will be judged on the basis of financial need, as well as benefit to the applicant. We will use your ‘Statement of Motivation’ and ‘Statement of Need’ to help us make the awards.
• Decisions will be made by senior academic staff in the IES.
• You are usually expected to write a short blog after attending LIPS about your experience.  

If you have any questions about the Bursary scheme, please email iesevents@sas.ac.uk.

Applications should be submitted by 7 April 2026, and you will be notified of the outcome by the end of April 2026.