Beginner’s guide to the medieval book

How important were books in the middle ages? How were they made? How were they used?

c. 330 - 1300 C.E.

Hand-made books of the Middle Ages are called manuscripts. Books that contain artistic decoration are called illuminated manuscripts. Manuscripts that survive from the European Middle Ages are generally religious books that reflect the canon, doctrine and practices of Christianity, though there are Jewish and Muslim books and other types of books that survive from this time period as well.

Medieval manuscripts, an introduction

By Dr. Nancy Ross

What survives More medieval books survive from the Middle Ages than any other artistic medium. Scholars refer to the hand-made books of the Middle Ages as manuscripts. Books that contain artistic decoration are called illuminated manuscripts. Manuscripts that survive...

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Manuscripts: major works of art

By The J. Paul Getty Museum

Miniatures in these magnificent books glorify the word of God—and illustrate secular stories with equal clarity.

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Making manuscripts

By The J. Paul Getty Museum

From scraping skin and cutting quills to painting and bookbinding, making a manuscript is a long, complex process.

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The Bestiary

By Dr. Nancy Ross

A book of beasts Have you ever heard that elephants are afraid of mice? Or that foxes are deceptive? These characterizations of animals come from a medieval book called the Bestiary, or Book of Beasts. Though these books are not known to many today, you are likely...

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