The Medieval Scriptorium: Making Books in the Middle Ages

(Hardback)

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This book takes the reader on an immersive journey through medieval manuscript production in the Latin Christian world. Each chapter opens with a lively vignette by a medieval narrator including a parchment-maker, scribe and illuminator introducing various aspects of manuscript production. Sara Charles poses the question 'What actually is a scriptorium', and explores the development of the medieval scriptorium from its early Christian beginnings through to its eventual decline and the growth of the printing press. With the written word at the very heart of the Christian monastic movement, we see the immense amount of labour, planning and networks needed to produce each individual manuscript. By tapping into these processes and procedures, we can experience medieval life through the lens of a manuscript maker.

Reviews

"In The Medieval Scriptorium--an engaging and beautifully illustrated volume--Charles traces the evolution of the book from the early Christian centuries to the development of printing, a story covering some 1,500 years. . . . The author's love of these books shines through and her enthusiasm and appreciation of the skill involved in making these works of art are infectious. The reader will learn much about medieval books, their makers and their making."-- "Methodist Recorder"
"The Medieval Scriptorium vividly recreates the techniques and processes that underlay the production of books over the thousand-year period of the Middle Ages. Charles's intimate grasp of her subject gives us a volume that is filled with delightful detail while offering a richly insightful overview of its compelling topic."--Timothy Graham, distinguished professor of history, University of New Mexico, and coauthor of "Introduction to Manuscript Studies"

Author Bio

Sara J. Charles works and studies at Senate House, University of London. She has published widely on the history of the book.