Written Treasures

For centuries, we have studied the works of Cicero, Lucretius and Homer. We draw inspiration from the tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Our knowledge of poetry and philosophy, theology and law builds on the writings of classical and medieval scholars. But without the diligent monks and scribes of the Middle Ages, these texts would not have been preserved. Today's world is unimaginable without this transmission of written heritage.

Written Treasures introduces you to the fascinating world of medieval manuscripts. Fifty handwritten books are selected from the collections of Leiden University Libraries — stunning masterpieces as well as hastily copied works on second-rate parchment. Thirty-eight experts highlight their content, appearance, design and journey through generations of readers and possessors to our times.

The stories in this book will guide you through medieval Europe, past royal courts, monastic libraries, scriptoria and universities. It is a journey full of encounters with authors and scribes, collectors and scholars, librarians and curators, all told through fifty extraordinary manuscripts.

'There is nothing quite like being able to see a medieval book with your own eyes, but this superb book brings us closer than ever to these unique manuscripts.'
- Frits van Oostrom