One-Hand Books

Abstract One of the most debated aspects of the miniature codex is determining what exactly distinguishes it from other types of small-format writing, particularly that of the amulet. This chapter will argue that codices are defined by (a) form (which includes a width less than 10 cm and codex format), and (b) content (which includes a continuous text and usually high scribal quality). Even though miniature codices and amulets are distinct literary categories, these categories are not absolute. Literature in the ancient world was fluid and flexible, not always fitting into modern, scholarly categories. Thus, we should expect miniature and codices to overlap at points. To demonstrate the fluidity of these book formats, this chapter will examine a number of borderline cases that could be either an amulet or miniature codex: P.Ant. 54, P.Oxy. 2684 (P78), P.Vindob. G. 29831 (MPER N.S. 1710), and P.Yale 1.3 (P50).