2019 Fresh Voice: Scott Gwara

Scott Gwara spends his days surrounded by the past…literally.  For more than two decades, this University of South Carolina professor has been assembling, studying and publicizing a collection of rare handwritten books. These “manuscripts” from medieval and Renaissance Europe pre-date 1600 AD, most are written in Latin and range in subject matter from Holy Writ to ancient history.  These marvels are held at USC’s Thomas Cooper Library, where Gwara has made it his quest to acquire documents that, along with what USC already owned, would comprise a formidable “Teaching Collection of Early Manuscripts.”  He considers these works–some of which are illuminated by shimmering panels of gold, while others are decorated with miniature paintings or comical medieval beasts–a legacy for all the citizens of our state.  Gwara has made it his mission to ensure that these works of art be used widely for teaching and research, and whenever possible, that the general public have an opportunity to see them.