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The practice of commenting on texts lies at the foundations of what we call today “literary criticism.” From the Bible to Dante’s Divine Comedy, from Greek and Latin poetry to medieval and Renaissance literary writings, the many questions posed by the commentators have contributed widely to the shaping of the modern notions of reading and interpretation. What do we look for when we read a text? How do we approach it? How does our reading interact with the author’s intention? To what extent is the commentator appropriating the author’s prerogatives? By exploring a wide range of case studies, the seminar aims to reassess the role of the commentary tradition within the development of literary scholarship and as a genre per se. Some sessions will take place at the Hopkins Special Collections and at the Walters Art Museum, where students will have the opportunity to work on both manuscripts and early prints, and select materials for their presentations.