From a reading book to a structuralized canonical collection

The formation or developing process of the Ivonian work (i.e. Decretum, Panormia, Tripartita) is an emblematic example for the proper textual-history of Medieval Canonical Collections before the late 12th century. The recent studies concerning the Pre-Gratian canon law collections show well how the earlier meaning of "canonical collection" differs from its classical meaning. The fundamental intention was to summarize the whole of canon law which - as "ius sacrum" - served the daily life of the Church and was useful in every field of the ecclesiastical activity. The textual families of Ivo's canonical work and the textual variants of these families demonstrate well this intention. In this present volume are described several 11th-12th century manuscripts and fragments of the Ivonian canon law collection. The precise paleographical, codicological and textual-critical analysis which was done by the author has improved the considerations on the step by step textual-development. These new results have shown in new light Ivo's compiling work.

Prof. Szabolcs Anzelm Szuromi, O.Praem. (1972) holds a doctorate in Theology and also in Canon Law. His areas of research are canon law history, the general norms of canon law, and ecclesiastical law. Currently, he is the President of the Institute of Canon Law "ad instar facultatis" at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Budapest).