.... This chapter considers the contents of the library at Bethlehem in comparison to other ancient book collections. The inventory begins from Jerome's explicit references to books in his possession, takes in the evidence of source-critical studies of his works, and considers also the books that Jerome probably...

... that surrounded the ancient book. The result is cultural history deeply written, of individual reading communities that differentiate themselves in interesting ways even while in aggregate showing a coherent reading culture with fascinating similarities and contrasts to the reading culture of today....