An immensely important volume in Syriac studies, Moss’s Catalogue of Syriac Printed Books represents a first effort at providing a thorough, printed database of the disparate materials that make up the Syriac corpus. Specifically limiting himself to the collections of the British Museum, Moss set out to provide a complete manuscript list with brief descriptions of each document. Moving beyond previous efforts, he also included books and articles about the Syriac manuscripts, providing the world with an essential reference work. For the beginning student as well as the advanced scholar, Moss’s catalogue is the foundation for any serious undertaking in Syriac studies.

Cyril Moss (d. 1961) was Assistant Keeper in the Department of Oriental Printed Books and Manuscripts in the British Museum. He was awarded the honor of Order of the British Empire for his untiring efforts to bring the Museum’s treasures to the public.