Erik Kwakkel

I am a historian of the book and study the design of medieval manuscripts, including paleography (handwriting) and codicology (material design). I am interested in the relation between form and function in premodern books: why do they look the way they do?

I will share images of rare books and manuscripts, mostly my own pics. Will boost news and interesting info around old books. Random musings around my passions - and some #StreetArt pics - coming your way too.

Nov 22, 2022 at 1:11amWeb
Show threadAotearoaMarieNov 22, 2022
@erik_kwakkel
wow what a fascinating field of study! I look forward to being illuminated on the topic ..
Show threadDavid J. AtkinsonNov 22, 2022

@erik_kwakkel Long long ago, I was an undergraduate at University of Michigan where I worked in the Rare Book Room of Hatcher Graduate Library. My job was to retrieve a book from the stacks; sometimes the librarian in back used a key to unlock it from the shelving. Really big, really old locks! The books were generally very large and quite heavy. Using a trolley, I brought the book to the head librarian in the reading room (usually at least one guard was present) where they would sit next to a scholar, turning each page by hand (white gloves of course). It felt like watching time travel happening, but without participating. I’m looking forward to whatever stories you might share!

#RareBooks

Show threadErik KwakkelNov 22, 2022
@meltedcheese great story, thanks for sharing - white gloves are out of fashion now, but the trolley is still the thing to use, and I always love the anticipation of what will be on it!
Show threadCathleen SartiNov 22, 2022
@erik_kwakkel I loved your images from #manuscripts on the bird site- especially the comments got me really hooked on #medieval #bookstudies
Show threadErik KwakkelNov 22, 2022
@CathleenSarti mission accomplished - and thanks for communicating!
Show threaddonkey jessNov 22, 2022
@erik_kwakkel okay that is very cool. YOU are very cool!
Show threadMyles StevensNov 28, 2022

@erik_kwakkel Myself and Alison Offer, an amazingly skilled Medieval style caligrapher friend of mine created a type face based on the Exeter book.

The font is here if you're interested

https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/f759c7a3-30b6-468c-7dc3-42c0ee9cb29b

It's creative commons 🙂

Regia Font

Show threadErik KwakkelNov 28, 2022
@MylesStevens thanks for sharing!
Show threadgreenpearNov 28, 2022
@MylesStevens @erik_kwakkel
Adobe seems to have an issue at this time. I look forward to them fixing it soon as that font looks fabulous.
Show threadMyles StevensNov 28, 2022

@greenpear @erik_kwakkel

That's odd. 😞

I've put the font here too.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/184vYT84fepKXBvFFS8XuBCqye6VfDVxq?usp=sharing

Regia Font – Google Drive

Show threadgreenpearNov 28, 2022
@MylesStevens @erik_kwakkel
Got it from Google Drive.
Again, thank you.
What time period and geographical area is this script from? Want to make sure I put it with the correct illumination.
Show threadMyles StevensNov 28, 2022

@greenpear @erik_kwakkel

It's from the Exeter book 1072ish

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exeter_Book

Exeter Book - Wikipedia

Show threadgreenpearNov 28, 2022

@MylesStevens @erik_kwakkel

Thanks. Some nice versals to play around with.

Show threadThreeDollarBillNov 28, 2022

@MylesStevens @erik_kwakkel

Beautifully done!

Show threadsonnentrockenNov 28, 2022
@MylesStevens
it is awesome, thank you!
Show threadMetellaDec 20, 2022
@erik_kwakkel nice! Most definitely following you.
Show threadMichael GartenbergDec 20, 2022
@erik_kwakkel way cool gig
Show threadRandy McCallDec 21, 2022
@erik_kwakkel @spamless I’m a collector of antique Japanese manuscripts and documents (Meiji period and earlier), and I also manage several groups for collectors of the same, mostly tracking Japanese online auctions. I have a similar interest in European manuscripts / documents… looking forward to your posts
Show threadJulie ClarkDec 23, 2022
@erik_kwakkel I don’t know anything about that but like the sound of it - look forward to seeing what you post! 😄
Show threadJonathan GroßOct 16, 2023
@erik_kwakkel This is a topic that has interested me for some time now, too. I am currently trying to establish a Data Model on Wikidata that takes account of state-of-the-art terminology. I would love to get in touch with you!
Show threadErik KwakkelOct 16, 2023
@jonathangross send me an email!
Show threadDark Sheep Arts Has MovedNov 10, 2023

@erik_kwakkel I can't believe you're on Mastodon! I love your stuff.

(Yes, I'm a huge nerd)

Show threadErik KwakkelNov 11, 2023
@DarkSheepArts not very active I must admit, just checking out what’s going on in manuscript world.