Bible Manuscripts: 1400 Years of Scribes and Scripture

Before the invention of the printing press the import of the Christian Bible as a material book was inestimable. Revered by the faithful, labored over by scribes and artists, studied by scholars, and coveted by the rich and powerful, an actual copy of the book took on iconic significance. Surviving manuscripts of the Bible, therefore, not only reveal the remarkable history of a massively influential text but also allow scholars to map the development of the book prior to the advent of machine printing.
The British Library’s collection of Bible manuscripts is incomparable in its depth and breadth, preserving landmark editions from the second century up to modern times. Lavishly illustrated in full color, Bible Manuscripts outlines how the Bible was preserved and passed down over the past two millennia. With expert curators Scot McKendrick and Kathleen Doyle as guides, this book offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the whole of the rich tradition of Biblical manuscripts.

Scot McKendrickis head of Western manuscripts at the British Library. His previous books include Flemish Illuminated Manuscripts, 1400–1500 and Bible as Book: Transmissions of the Greek Text, both published by the British Library.

Kathleen Doyle is currently working on the Digital Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts project at the British Library.