""Early Drawings and Illuminations"" is a comprehensive guide to the study of illustrated manuscripts, written by Walter De Gray Birch and first published in 1879. The book provides an introduction to the history and techniques of manuscript illumination, focusing on the development of the art form from its origins in ancient Egypt and Greece through to the Middle Ages and Renaissance.The book is divided into two main sections. The first section offers a detailed overview of the different types of illustrations found in manuscripts, including full-page illustrations, borders, initials, and marginalia. Birch also discusses the materials and techniques used by medieval scribes and illuminators, including the preparation of parchment, the use of pigments and gold leaf, and the various styles of calligraphy.The second section of the book is a dictionary of subjects found in illuminated manuscripts held in the British Museum. This section is organized alphabetically and provides detailed descriptions of the various scenes and motifs found in medieval manuscripts, including depictions of biblical stories, saints, animals, and mythical creatures.Overall, ""Early Drawings and Illuminations"" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of manuscript illumination and the art of the medieval book. Birch's clear and concise writing style, combined with his extensive knowledge of the subject matter, makes this book an essential reference for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.