Palæography: Notes upon the History of Writing and the Medieval Art of Illumination

"Palæography" by Bernard Quaritch is a scholarly work focused on the history of writing and the medieval art of illumination, written in the late 19th century. This treatise extends from a lecture delivered by Quaritch, utilizing his experiences in the manuscript market to explore the intricacies of manuscripts from various time periods, particularly before the advent of printing. The work aims to provide readers with a foundational understanding of palæography, summarizing key historical developments and methods of manuscript production. The opening of this text sets the scene by emphasizing the vast yet scattered nature of pre-printing books, acknowledging the author's own qualifications and experiences as a manuscript buyer. Quaritch outlines the framework of the study as a series of cursory remarks on medieval calligraphy and ornamental practices, beginning with the origins of writing itself. He provides insight into the various ancient modes of writing, materials used, and the evolution of different scripts across cultures, illustrating how the art of writing has evolved over millennia, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of palæography that follows.