Medieval Latin Philology on the Term ‘Codex / Recensio deterior’: Some Reflections on the Eliminatio Codicum Descriptorum Based on Walahfrid Strabo’s Visio Wettini and Petrarca’s Variae

Abstract

The methodological debate on the process of eliminatio codicum descriptorum that developed during the 20th century has revealed its full complexity. While the discussion is still open, and often divides between formalist and historicist approaches, certain practices that characterised 19^th-century publishing customs have now been wholly rejected in theoretical terms. Consequently, the employment of the expression ‘codex deterior’ for defining the value of a manuscript witness on the basis of its intrinsic characteristics has been superseded by formulations such as ‘codex inutilis’ or ‘dependent witness’, which are based on demonstrable relationships between witnesses. Nevertheless, some obsolete methods persist in recent editions of medieval Latin texts. This is due to the challenges posed by particularly complex textual traditions, as well as a reluctance to implement innovative solutions. Reflection on this topic is informed by two case studies that reveal certain shortcomings in the interpretation of the manuscript tradition and in the application of effective and correct editorial criteria. The works under consideration are Walafrid Strabo’s Visio Wettini and Petrarch’s Variae