Step 1: Understand the meaning of the highlighted word.
The word recondite refers to something that is obscure, difficult to understand, and known only to a few people.
Step 2: Analyze the context of the sentence.
The sentence states that the texts were accessible only to a handful of scholars, indicating specialized and restricted knowledge.
Step 3: Evaluate the options.
(1) Popular – incorrect because it means widely known or liked.
(2) Manifest – incorrect because it means obvious or clear.
(3) Esoteric – correct because it means intended for or understood by only a small, specialized group.
(4) Pedestrian – incorrect because it means ordinary or dull.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The word that best matches the meaning of recondite in the given context is esoteric.