Book lovers will enjoy this program released by the BBC called The Beauty of Books. The series “combines human stories, expert interviews, book illustrations and historic archive to reveal the beauty of books.” The four episodes examine the impact of paperback books, illustrated volumes, medieval masterpieces, and ancient Bibles. Here is a clip from episode one called Ancient Bibles.
From BBC: “TThe British Library in London is home to 14 million books, on shelves that stretch over 600km. Extraordinary vessels of ideas and knowledge, they testify to the love affair we have with books. This series explores the enduring appeal and importance of books from a 4th century bible to present day paperbacks.
“The Codex Sinaiticus is the world’s oldest surviving bible. Made around 350 AD, it is a unique insight into early Christians and their effort to find a single version of the biblical text that everyone could accept – a bible fit for the Roman Empire. 800 years later, an illuminated bible rich in gold and lapis lazuli and produced in Winchester, recalls a time when bibles were at the centre of the Church’s struggle with the State for ultimate authority.” Courtesy of Brain Pickings and the Book Design Blog.
