Before the invention of the printing press, books were written out by hand, and were priceless objects. The most precious books were illuminated with gold or with bright colors. Initial letters were often highlighted either as decoration or to mark an important passage. This new coloring book is packed with a series of intricate letters carefully selected from the extensive collection of the British Library. Each original letter is reproduced in color, so you can decide whether to choose your own colors, or to use the colors that the artist intended. With key facts about each of the letters and their source, this is the perfect book for history buffs and coloring fanatics alike.