Abstract
<jats:p>Graffiti is increasingly being recognised as an important historical source that can provide first-hand information on the written cultures of past societies. This book presents a wide variety of approaches to the how and why of graffiti production in medieval and early modern societies. Geographically, the book ranges from Italy to Russia, by way of the insular and Nordic worlds, and beyond, to the Holy Land and early medieval Nubia. Attention is given to information which will lead to the development of the historical criticism of graffiti, including the best practices for photography. A bibliography of the publications on medieval graffiti which have come out since 2000 is hoped to further the development of future scholarship. While there is extensive scholarship on graffiti in classical Antiquity, other historical graffiti remains understudied. This volume provides an overview of studies on graffiti for medieval and early modern cultures as well as a platform for future research.</jats:p>