Essays

This is a detailed codicological study describing the complex process whereby five 'siblings' of a disbound 'parent' manuscript were located and reunited.

This illustrated essay describes and translates the riddles of the scriptorium in the Exeter Anthology of Old English Poetry ('Exeter Book')

This illustrated essay provides a brief introduction to the medieval system of punctuation and contains screen captures of various punctuation marks.

This illustrated essay provides a brief introduction to the medieval Latin abbreviation system, noting some of its basic principles.

This essay, which draws upon ancient and medieval sources, describes the origins and preparation of parchment.

This illustrated essay describes some typical scribal errors and their causes, and shows a variety of ways in which they were corrected.

This essay describes the origin and use of staunchgrain. It was used, primarily in England, to treat parchment so that it would have a smooth, flexible writing surface.

This illustrated essay describes the art of creating an illuminated initial. It follows every stage of production, from the tracing of a model to adding decorative highlights to the finished letter.

This essay describes the various ways in which black ink was made in ancient and medieval times.

This essay describes the origin and making of papyrus, with specific reference to ancient sources.