Before the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, books were made and written entirely by hand. In Europe in the early Middle Ages, monks toiled away in the monasteries, copying texts onto parchment. Important manuscripts were elaborately decorated with coloured inks, 'illuminated' with gold leaf and illustrated with beautiful miniature paintings. By the 13th century, as the demand for books rose, professional scribes and illustrators were employed. The illuminated manuscript reached its peak in the 15th century with the creation of lavish 'books of hours', or special prayer books, for wealthy patrons.
In this presentation, hear an illuminating discussion about medieval manuscripts with Shane Carmody, Margaret Manion AO and Dr Bronwyn Stocks.
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Shane Carmody is the State Library of Victoria's Director of Collections and Access; Margaret ManionAO is Professorial Fellow in Art History, University of Melbourne; and Dr Bronwyn Stocks is Senior Lecturer in Theory of Art and Design, Monash University.
This discussion was held at the State Library of Victoria on Sunday 3 June 2007. It was part of 'All About Books' week, which celebrated books and, in particular, showcased the Library's permanent exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas.
Where possible, a transcript or speaker's notes can be provided upon request.
Download Medieval Manuscripts: The birth of the book [mp3
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