Monsters and Grotesques in Medieval Manuscripts

The monstrous creatures that embellish the pages of medieval manuscripts have a long pedigree. From their origins in classical antiquity, the Bible, scientific writing and folklore they travelled through centuries and civilisations to find vivid expression in medieval religion, literature and art. It is easy to forget that these creatures are not merely decorative but often have symbolic importance. Griffins and satyrs, dragons and demons, unicorns, serpents and many other creatures provide evocative and revealing expressions of medieval thought, morality and humour. Monsters and Grotesques in Medieval Manuscripts describes the rich and varied symbolism of monsters, as depicted in an extensive range of medieval manuscripts from The British Library's collections, and lends a special insight into the medieval imagination.