This beautifully produced book draws on the latest research, illustrating the complete set of drawings, published for the first time.

The library of Sir Robert Cotton (1571-1631) is arguably the most important collection of manuscripts ever assembled in Britain by a private individual. Amongst its many treasures are the Lindisfarne Gospels, two of the contemporary copies of Magna Carter and the only surviving manuscript of Beowulf. It was bequeathed to the nation by Sir Robert's granson in 1701. The British Library is currently engaged in laying the groundwork for a new and definitive catalogue of the manuscripts.