A Guide to Western Historical Scripts from Antiquity to 1600 is a much-needed survey of the evolution of scripts and introduction to reading historical documents, extensively illustrated from a wide range of manuscripts. Fifty-five full-page plates give examples of the major western scripts in broadly chronological sequence, each accompanied by a commentary identifying the type of script, its historical and regional currency, distinctive features and style, and a transcription. With an introductory essay and select bibliography, fully revised and updated for this new paperback edition, this is an important and authoritative introduction to the subject.
Michelle Brown's book is a must-have for the beginning student of paleography or codicology. It includes full-page (generally readable) photos of manuscripts which demonstrate characteristics of certain medieval scripts by country, region, and date - with facing page transcriptions and explanations. There are a few minor mistakes and questionable areas, such as her p. 26 transcription of the half-uncial (probably a typo), and p. 130 transcription of the humanistic book script (also probably a typo). The book is best utilized in conjunction with a course in either paleography, codicology, or both, and then mainly as a preliminary reference tool for rough-dating or localization. Pay attention to the details, for similar scripts (like the various gothics) can get tricky.
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