This work introduces the reader to the world of medieval miniature painting and illumination presents around 170 of the most beautiful and important medieval scripts from the 4th century to 1600. Many miniatures are reproduced in their original size, some on double-pages. Although the focus is on European handwriting (French, Dutch, German, Italian, English and Spanish) examples have also been selected to illustrate the refinement and intricacy of handwriting from non-European cultures (for example, Mexican, Persian, Indian, Ottoman). The scripts are presented in chronological order and described in full.;At the head of each sample of script there is a synopsis providing information such as age, origin, format, length, language, textual content, patron, and artist. These synopses should help to orientate the reader at a glance. A 32-page appendix contains short biographies of the artists as well as an extensive bibliography, an index and, most importantly, a glossary of technical terms in which any term used in the book can quickly be found.