Ex sagaci coniectura

Editorial contributions to the commentary on Habakkuk in the Opera omnia of Jerome edited by Erasmus of Rotterdam

Abstract

Thanks to the extensive examinations of the manuscript tradition, in the new edition of Jerome’s commentary on Habakkuk edited by Sincero Mantelli (CC SL 76-76A), several discrepancies from the text of the printed editions, starting with that of Erasmus of Rotterdam in 1516, are noted. First of all, there is a gloss (quia scarabaeus uel cantharus uermis est stercoris) which cannot be found in the manuscripts. The codices show different readings that in most cases quote a corrupt text. Considering that the above-mentioned note does not appear in the pre-Erasmian editions we can draw the conclusion that Erasmus himself corrected the text, adding the meaningful note. As a confirmation to what has been said, other emendations can be added, perhaps less significant ones which nevertheless can be equally attributed to the hand of the Rotterdam humanist. These improvements in Erasmus’ edition were reproduced virtually unchanged in later editions, starting with that of Mariano Vittori, who also intended to act as a ‘counter-editor’ to Erasmus.