A basic manual on medieval illumination providing both a historical overview and practical how-to guide. The book is divided into two parts, "the first dealing with the history, definition, and characteristics of illumination, with particular reference to manuscripts owned by the British Museum, and the second providing practical directions on how to illuminate manuscripts, an overview of colors and how to make them, and an array of handy "tricks" detailing the many different techniques one could use to make modern manuscripts look more authentic. Freeman also included individual tables listing the dates, titles, interesting points, and museum locations of manuscripts from England, France, Italy, Germany, and the Near East to help his readers find for themselves actual examples on public display at the British Museum that could be used as historical and technical references in comparison to their own artistic efforts--even going so far as to point out that, despite popular belief to the contrary, female enthusiasts were also welcome at the British Museum, pointing out in the text's final note that "there are seats specially set apart for ladies" in the Museum's reading room"--An online description, "Delamotte's 1860 Primer of the Art of Illumination" by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library of The Ohio State University