This catalog is a selection of illuminated manuscripts sourced principally from the gift to the British nation by George II in 1757 and held in the British Library. There are nearly 2000 manuscripts in this collection. Together with 9000 books donated from the same source these volumes form the "Old Royal Library". In the exhibition 111 volumes have been chosen with an additional 37 being sourced from other collections in the British Library. Entry 1 is an Insular Gospel Book (1st half of the 8th Century)and the last, Motets for Henry VIII, is dated at 1516. Many of the manuscripts are of European origin.
The manuscripts on display are generally of exceptional quality and in a very good state of preservation. Each is given a full page illustration and the color reproduction is of a high standard with good definition of the gold. This is a soft cover catalog and possibly slightly overpriced ($45). A highly recommended issue for enthusiasts of illustrated manuscripts nonetheless.