The question of the manner in which the Tannaitic and Amoraic literature was passed on, orally or in writing, is of great importance in determining the basic cultural and historical facts in the world of the Sages, in understanding the development of the Oral Law and in the formation of its literature. In Jacob Sussman's revolutionary study, this complex subject was re-examined based on a thorough and profound study of various Talmudic sources, while comparing them with external, time-based evidence, published for the first time in Talmud Studies in 2004. It is published again in this book, along with detailed indices for source texts and various topics discussed therein.