This seminal work of scholarship, which traces the development of literacy in medieval England, is now fully updated in a third edition. * This book serves as an introduction to medieval books and documents for graduate students throughout the world * Features a completely re-written first chapter, Memories and Myths of the Norman Conquest\', and a new postscript by the author reflecting on the reception to the original publication and discussing recent scholarship on medieval literacy * Includes a revised guide to further reading and a revision of the plates which illustrate medieval manuscripts in detail