Books by M.B. Parkes

Discusses the handwriting of individual scribes, and the evidence script can provide of the circumstances of a book's production, the effect of punctuation and layout of text on the reader's interpretation of a work, and the provision and production of books for communities of readers, both clerical and academic.

From the mid twelfth century onwards, the nature of the developments which took place in English book hands was determined by two factors: the increasing demand for books, and the increase in the size of the works to be copied. This book illustrates the developments which took place in the cursive handwriting used in England for writing books.

Focus on the handwriting of scribes from late antiquity to the beginning of the sixteenth century, and identifies those features which are a scribe's personal contribution to the techniques and art of handwriting. This book also looks at the significance of customized images of handwriting on the page.

A history of punctuation in the West which identifies some of the broader circumstances which the author believes have influenced development. The first part identifies the graphic symbols, and deals with their history. The second part is a general account of the main influences on their use.