Illuminated Manuscripts

                                                                   Archives and Special Collections houses a variety of Illuminated Manuscripts. Illumination not only served as illustration but added to the beauty and worth of a book. The scribe's skill was highly valued and sought after to render an eloquent edition of a revered tome of knowledge. Following the printing press, hand-illumination became impractical and expensive. Printers began using woodcuts- pictures carved into blocks of wood- which could be reused many times. Collections include leaves from famous Bibles and leaves from books of hours. Digital collections include Bible Leaves: Original Leaves from Famous Bibles.