(CNN) — So you want to live like you’re from the Middle Ages? Well, maybe that’s not a common aspiration, but nevertheless, it’s a subject that’s become Olivia M. Swarthout’s expertise. Swarthout is ...

Oftentimes, we are preoccupied with the contents of a book rather than the book itself. The phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is preached as a metaphorical reminder not to be quick to judge ...

Strange “hairy” covers of books in medieval Europe were made from seal skin obtained from Viking descendants, a new study has found. It is rare to find medieval manuscripts in their original bindings, ...

Manuscript of “Two Leaves from the Mirror of Human Salvation” formerly used as a book cover (Germany, late 14th century), ink and pigments on medium weight, cream-colored parchment (courtesy the ...

Interest in the book of hours has being growing steadily, thanks to the volumes’ sumptuous illustrations, and the rich insights they provide on life in the Middle Ages. By Alec Scott As she tells it, ...

Attention bibliophiles and antiquarians: did you know that some old manuscripts are downright deadly? In modern society, it’s entirely safe to browse through books, but for centuries, flipping through ...

Editor’s Note: Keeping you in the know, Culture Queue is an ongoing series of recommendations for timely books to read, films to watch and podcasts and music to listen to. So you want to live like you ...