An Introduction To Syriac Studies

by Sebastian P. Brock

This introduction aims to provide basic guidance to important areas of Syriac studies. The relevance of Syriac studies to a variety of other fields is explored, notably Biblical studies, Patristics, and the general history of the Near East. A brief orientation to the history of Syriac literature is offered, and Syriac is set within the context of the other Aramaic dialects. A thorough discussion on important tools (Instrumenta Studiorum) is presented, which should prove invaluable both for the student commencing on study in the field and for scholars working in adjacent areas. Topics covered include grammars, dictionaries, the Bible in Syriac, histories of Syriac literature, bibliographical aids and relevant series, periodicals, and encyclopedias. An appendix explains how the different Churches of Syriac tradition are related to one another and how they fit into the Christian tradition as a whole. It also sorts out the confusing variety of terms by which they are known.

88 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an introduction to Syriac Christianity (either theology or history), nor to Syriac literature. It is an introduction to the academic field of Syriac studies. Accordingly, it does give an overview (quite brief) of both the Syriac churches and the history of their communities and writings, but the real value of the book and the bulk of its content concerns introducing the reader to the secondary literature written about Syriac Christianity.

Brock is absolutely the right person for this job -- his erudition is on full display and his reputation as one of the leading scholars of Syriac studies is well deserved. Because of its focus on scholarship, the book reads like a remarkably concise and approachable annotated bibliography. He doesn't present it that way -- it is presented as a series of chapters written in straightforward prose -- but one nonetheless comes away with a sense of being equipped with bibliographic knowledge and a capacity to do further reading in each possible area of interest within this rich and still-developing field. An excellent read and well worth owning for reference.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful orientation to Syriac Studies. Brock manages to write with both clarity and humor about this now-arcane (but growing!) academic area. 4.5/5

[Briana Grenert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful and succinct!
I would be super down to follow up with more history reading :)

[Ali Khomāmi P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

سباستین براک که از دانشورانِ برجسته در سریانی‌پژوهیه، در این کتابِ کوتاه، خلاصه‌ای از منابعِ مهم و اطلاعاتِ پایه‌ای برای مطالعاتِ سریانی رو با زبانِ ساده‌ای معرفی و بیان می‌کنه. از منابعِ آموزشِ سریانی برای تازه‌کارا بگیر تا دانش‌نامه، فهرست، مقاله، ترجمه و پیرایشِ متون، واژه‌نامه و دیگران. هم منابعِ قدیمی‌تر رو معرفی می‌کنه و هم جدید. گاهی درباره‌ی کیفیتشون نظر می‌ده که بسیار مفیده.

از بخش‌های جالبش اونجاست که درباره‌ی دست‌نویس‌های سریانی حرف می‌زنه، بخشِ گیج‌کننده‌ش هم آخریه که درباره‌ی کلیساهای سریانی حرف می‌زنه و من از بیخ نفهمیدم چی شد!

دقّت کنید که این کتاب درباره‌ی «سریانی‌پژوهی»ه، نه زبان، ادب یا مسیحیتِ سریانی. اگر هم چیزی دراین‌باره می‌گه برای قرار گرفتن در فضایِ بحثه.

در کل خوشحالم این کتابو خوندم، یه کمی از گل‌آلودگیِ ذهنم کاست. اگه به هر دلیل دوست دارید در حوزه‌ی سریانی‌پژوهی مطالعه کنید، این کتاب شروعِ خوبی به نظر می‌رسه.