Many beautiful illuminated manuscripts survive from the Middle Ages & can be seen in libraries & museums throughout Europe But who were the skilled craftsmen who made these exquisite books? What precisely is parchment? How were medieval manuscripts designed & executed? What were the inks & pigments & how were they applied? This book looks at the work of scribes illuminators & book binders Based principally on examples in the Bodleian Library this lavishly illustrated account tells the story of manuscript production from the early Middle Ages through to the high Renaissance Each stage of production is described in detail from the preparation of the parchment pens paints & inks to the writing of the scripts & the final decoration & illumination of the manuscript This book also explains the role of the stationer or bookshop often to be found near cathedral & market squares in the commissioning of manuscripts & it cites examples of specific scribes & illuminators who can be identified through their work as professional lay artisans Christopher de Hamel&s engaging text is accompanied by a glossary of key technical terms relating to manuscripts & illumination providing an invaluable introduction for anyone interested in studying medieval manuscripts today