xviii List of Illustrations Bone writing tablet and leather case of a type typically used as a notebook for jottings (Britain, 14th century) Pen box (brass inlaid with copper, silver, and black organic material; Iran; 13th century) 1176 1178 Illuminated opening page from a manuscript of the Hadith, concerning the life of the prophet Mohammad (ink, watercolor, and gold on paper; Iraq or Iran; 12th to early 13th centuries) 1180