Uncover the hidden world behind the creation and preservation of the written word in one of history's most transformative eras. Manuscript Culture in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages offers a vivid and authoritative exploration of how manuscripts—handcrafted books and scrolls—became the lifeblood of knowledge, faith, and power from the twilight of the Roman Empire through the dawn of medieval Europe.

Ryan Evans takes readers on a fascinating journey through the birth of the codex, the artistry of illuminated texts, and the painstaking labor of scribes in monastic scriptoria. From the bustling libraries of Constantinople to the remote Irish monasteries, this book reveals how the fragile pages of parchment carried the legacy of classical antiquity, preserved sacred Christian teachings, and shaped the political and cultural landscape of a new world.

Brimming with rich historical detail, analysis of manuscript art and scripts, and compelling stories of the people behind the texts, this book bridges academic scholarship and accessible narrative. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of medieval art, or fascinated by the evolution of books and literacy, Manuscript Culture in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages illuminates the enduring power of the written word and its pivotal role in shaping Western civilization.