Abstract
This splendid volume will be of most interest to specialists in Manichaean studies. It offers a fresh edition of twenty-five hymns used by the class known as Auditors as part of their religious devotion.
The introductory chapter situates the manuscript in its ancient context, it provides an extensive description of the manuscript and its contents, and very helpful describes the Chinese religious context into which Manichaeism made its entry (pp. 23–29). Next follows the presentation of the text of each hymn in the original language with an accompanying French translation (pp. 65–325). Also where parallels to any of the hymns are known in other ancient languages, such as Middle Persian or Parthian, these versions are presented. Images of the manuscript are included (pp. 327–347). These images demonstrate the problems associated with reading and transcribing the text. The volume is completed with a helpful set of appendices and bibliographic material.
This volume reflects much painstaking and detailed work. While its readership will be limited to scholars of Manichaeism, it will be warmly welcomed as the standard reference work on this hymnic text.