Manuscript Production in Iceland

A State of Knowledge

Abstract

The present contribution provides a state of knowledge for manuscript production in Iceland. It is structured thematically, discussing both publications and ongoing research on (1) writing support, (2) gatherings and design, (3) writing and embellishment and (4) bindings and seals. Traditionally, the methods of book production in Iceland have been considered largely comparable to European practices, although the materials were thought to have been sourced mainly locally. Slowly, assumptions are being replaced with results from material-codicological studies. In fact, recent years have seen a significant increase in scholarly attention on the specifics of Icelandic manuscript production, allowing us to understand better both parallels with and differences from other European traditions. Technological advances and interdisciplinary approaches have particularly benefitted scholarly progress, such as for the identification of various materials. While the fourteenth century has been relatively well covered by research, other periods remain less explored.