Sources for Digitized Manuscripts and Books

from the BPL collection
a 15th. century (c. 1420) Missal

One of the best ways to study calligraphy is to view actual manuscripts. We can analyze hands (or variations) used at a particular time, try to work out tools used such as writing implements, inks, and pigments. Unless you have access to a library with an extensive collection of ancient and medieval manuscripts, this can be difficult. Many times, you need some sort of academic credential to gain access. Until now.

The Vatican has announced that it is digitizing thousands of its manuscripts and books from its collection. If you can't be there in person, viewing these sources is the next best thing.

You can read an article about the project from Open Culture

You can also explore what the Digital Vatican Library has to offer.

Other sites which have also digitized their collection of medieval manuscripts and books include:

Bodleian Library, Oxford University

The British Library Medieval Manuscripts Blog

The Book of Kells, Trinity College

Heidelberg University

The Saint John's Bible isn't a medieval manuscript, but it is the first, hand-commissioned Bible since the invention of the printing press. This project was headed by Donald Jackson and took over 10 years to complete.

If you are fortunate to live in Massachusetts and have a valid Massachusetts drivers licence, you can apply for a Boston Public Library card. The library card will gain you admittance to The Boston Public Library Rare Books and Manuscripts Department at the main library in Copley Square. Currently the department is undergoing extensive renovation and not expected to reopen until 2021. According to the BPL website many items from the department have been digitized and can be found at BPL Internet Archive  and Digital Commonwealth