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This manuscript is the only surviving copy of Beowulf, the oldest known epic poem in Old English. It tells the heroic story of Beowulf, a warrior who battles the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and later, a dragon. The manuscript is important because it preserves one of the few major works from early medieval England. Without it, we wouldn’t know this legendary tale. The manuscript was nearly lost in a fire in 1731, making its survival even more remarkable.

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The Magna Carta was a groundbreaking document signed by King John of England in 1215 under pressure from rebellious barons. It is one of the first documents to limit the power of the monarchy and establish legal principles, such as the right to a fair trial. Many of its ideas influenced later democratic systems, including the U.S. Constitution. The British Library holds one of the four surviving original copies, making it a key historical artifact.

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This is a magnificent illuminated manuscript, a type of prayer book known as a Book of Hours. It was originally created for the Sforza family, rulers of Milan, and was later completed by Flemish artists. The pages are filled with gold-leaf decorations, miniature paintings, and intricate lettering. This manuscript is a perfect example of Renaissance art and reflects the wealth and power of its owners.

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The Gutenberg Bible was the first major book printed using Johannes Gutenberg’s movable type printing press. Before this, books had to be copied by hand, which was slow and expensive. The Gutenberg Bible revolutionized the spread of knowledge by making books more accessible. The British Library owns two copies, showing the incredible quality of early printing and how it changed the world.

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Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook (16th century, Codex Arundel)

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Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook (16th century, Codex Arundel)

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This manuscript contains Leonardo da Vinci’s handwritten notes and sketches on a wide range of topics, including anatomy, engineering, flight, and painting. Written in his famous mirror script, it gives insight into his brilliant mind and endless curiosity. The British Library’s Codex Arundel is one of the best collections of his writings, showing his groundbreaking ideas centuries ahead of his time.

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Jane Austen’s Manuscripts (19th century)

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Jane Austen’s Manuscripts (19th century)

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These manuscripts include early drafts and handwritten notes by Jane Austen, one of the most beloved novelists in English literature. They allow us to see how she revised and developed her famous works like Pride and Prejudice and Emma. Her delicate handwriting and edits reveal her creative process, making these documents a treasure for literature lovers.