Paleographical Challenge 2020

Beinecke Early Modern invites you to a paleographical puzzle, originally posted during the exhibit, Subscribed: The Manuscript in Britain, 1500-1800, with entries posted from January 28 through May 8, 2020,. Start at the beginning, challenge #1, and work your way through at your own pace. A (suggested) solution is provided in the subsequent day’s post. Steal away from work and study, forsake your crosswords and your spelling bees! Take the Paleo-Fitness Challenge! Our motto: strength and beauty through paleography.

  • Paleographical Challenge #73

    May 8, 2020

    Today’s post, pictured above, is the last for the 2020 Paleographical Challenge . Unlike the previous 72 puzzles, this, shall we say, is a rather post-...

  • Paleographical Challenge #72

    May 7, 2020

    Today’s puzzle pictured above for the Paleographical Challenge . Suggested transcription for yesterday’s guest manuscript shown below: March 21. L...

  • Paleographical Challenge #71

    May 6, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript comes courtesy of Sue Walker (Head of Public Services) and Cindy Roman (Curator, Prints, Drawings, & Paintings) at Yale...

  • Paleographical Challenge #70

    May 5, 2020

    Today’s manuscript comes courtesy of Melissa Grafe, Head of the Medical Historical Library at Yale University Library. Visit the Paleographical Challenge...

  • Paleographical Challenge #69

    May 4, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript comes to us courtesy of Elisabeth Fairman, Chief Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts at the Yale Center for British Art . For...

  • Paleographical Challenge #68

    May 1, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript arrives courtesy of Alexandra Franklin, Coordinator of the Centre for the Study of the Book at the Bodleian Libraries . Check...

  • Paleographical Challenge #67

    April 30, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript comes to us courtesy of Suzanne Paul, Keeper of Manuscripts and University Archives at Cambridge University Library . Check back...

  • Paleographical Challenge #66

    April 29, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript comes courtesy of Shannon Supple, Curator of Rare Books at Smith College . Visit the Paleographical Challenge tomorrow to find...

  • Paleographical Challenge #65

    April 28, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript arrives courtesy of Mike Webb, Curator of Early Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the Weston Library of the Bodleian. Visit the...

  • Paleographical Challenge #64

    April 27, 2020

    Today’s guest manuscript arrives courtesy of Dennis Duncan and the 39 Step Press printing collective . Check back tomorrow to find its identity and a...