Book excerpt: This book is a collection of medieval alphabets and initials for illuminators. It is an essential resource for calligraphers and illuminators looking to reproduce the styles of medieval manuscripts, and includes detailed instructions and illustrations. The book is also an excellent introduction to the history of illuminated manuscripts and the art of book production in the Middle Ages. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.