Scottish Handwriting: 1150-1650 (Paperback)

The main part of this volume consists of facsimile texts, each facing a detailed transcript and commentary. The historical background of handwriting usage is surveyed in the introduction, with emphasis on changing fashions. There is also guidance on how to learn to read scripts, and how to deal with early language and abbreviations. Reading original documents is the primary way to achieve a sound basis in historical studies, and to acquire a true perspective in cultural evolution. Much modern research has been applied to Scotland's history. This is a comprehensive study of the country's handwriting. The principal aim is to assist research students, local historians, genealogists and calligraphers in their studies. The book also seeks to recover a lost chapter in the history of Scottish culture.