The Role of the Scroll: An Illustrated Introduction to Scrolls in the Middle Ages

by Thomas Forrest Kelly

In The Role of the Scroll, Thomas Forrest Kelly brings to life the most interesting scrolls in medieval history, placing them in the context of those who made, commissioned, and used them, and reveals their remarkably varied uses. Scrolls were the best way to keep ever-expanding lists, for example, those of debtors, knights, and the dead. While useful for keeping public records, scrolls could also be extremely private. Forgetful stage performers relied on them to recall their lines, and those looking for luck carried either blessings or magic spells, depending on their personal beliefs. Finally, scrolls could convey ceremonial importance, a purpose that lives on with academic diplomas.

In this book, Kelly explores the scroll's incredible diversity. A recipe for turning everyday metal into gold offers a glimpse into medieval alchemy, and a log of gifts for Queen Elizabeth I showcases royal flattery and patronage. Climb William the Conqueror's family tree, and take a journey to the Holy Land, following a pilgrimage route to such obligatory destinations as Jaffa, where Peter resurrected Tabitha, and Ramada, the city of Saint Joseph's birth.

A lively and accessible guide, The Role of the Scroll is a must-listen for anyone interested in how people keep record of life through the ages.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Art, Books About Books, Medieval

Audible Audio

First published April 30, 2019

About the author

An American musicologist, musician, and scholar. He is the Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music at Harvard University.

Reviews

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative while avoiding being too textually dry. Would recommend!

[JAMES · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable scroll information. Shame this book was published in codex form instead of as a scroll.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This book details the history of the scroll and its uses through the Middle Ages. The book contains photographs and illustrations that help to show the evolution of the scroll and also discusses why scrolls continued to be used even when books became more prevalent. Scrolls came in many sizes and forms and covered everything from maps, to recipes, to lists and family trees. This was an interesting examination of its uses and forms.

[Heather Perkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally read audiobooks, but this one has to be viewed to be enjoyed. I quite flipped my lid when I realized we have so many old, 13th century onward, recipes, and they have even been digitized and put online? It was a good general overview of scrolls and a look at why they made scrolls when books were such a force.

[Nicole Marble · Rating 1 out of 5]

An interesting subject made dull.

[Mills College Library]

091.094 K2986 2019