The Medieval Scriptorium - Making Books in the Middle Ages

Illuminated with illustrations, an exploration of medieval manuscript production that offers insight into both the early history of the book and life in the Middle Ages.

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 J. 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 labor, planning, and networks needed to produce each manuscript. By tapping into these processes and procedures, The Medieval Scriptorium helps us to experience medieval life through the lens of a manuscript maker.

About the author

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

Product details

• Authors: Sara J. Charles
• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 13.10.2025
• EAN: 9781836391067
• ISBN: 978-1-83639-106-7
• No. of pages: 352
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 38 mm
• Weight: 454 g
• Subjects: History: specific events & topics, HISTORY / General, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / Media & Communications, c 1000 CE to c 1500, History: specific events and topics, Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500, c 500 to c 1000 CE, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE, Publishing industry & book trade, Publishing and book trade