This book displays as graphically as possible the development of the forms of the Latin letters from the first to the fifteenth century. The foldout plates contain nearly 200 black & white reproductions of various scripts. The text relates the development of letters to that of other arts, making comparisons that shed light on the spirit of an entire age; for example, between the evolution of gothic letters and the pointed arches in gothic cathedrals. Many other fascinating insights into medieval thought, culture & history are included in the book.