WINNER OF THE WOLFSON HISTORY PRIZE AND THE DUFF COOPER PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION

'Endlessly fascinating and enjoyable' Neil MacGregor
'A marvellous book' David Attenborough
'Full of delights' Tom Stoppard

An extraordinary exploration of the medieval world - the most beguiling history book of the year

This is a book about why medieval manuscripts matter. Coming face to face with an important illuminated manuscript in the original is like meeting a very famous person. We may all pretend that a well-known celebrity is no different from anyone else, and yet there is an undeniable thrill in actually meeting and talking to a person of world stature.