PREFACES & NOTES IN COLOUR
Fig. [90] represents a preface, or note, written in red.
It was a frequent practice in old MSS., where there were prefaces, or prologues, or notes—not actually part of the text—to keep these distinct by writing them in red. A somewhat similar usage still exists in modern typography, where such parts are sometimes distinguished by Italic type (see p. [315]).
The distinction of a preface, “rubric,” or note from the main body of the text makes a book more readable, and, as a page of red (or blue) writing is very pleasant and effective, we may certainly take advantage of such a reasonable excuse for introducing it. Entire books have been written in red, but this is a questionable mode, as too much red text would tire the eye.
Note (1).—The writing is founded on the tenth-century English hand given in [Plate VIII.]
(2) The flourishes on s and e fill gaps at the ends of the lines, and the spread out A M E N fills the last line.
(3) The Headline is in simple written capitals.
(4) The effect of colour contrast of the built-up Ps with the simple writing: the solid Ps (though really the same colour) appear to be a much deeper red than the writing, which is lightened by the intermingled white of the paper.
(5) Other Colour Schemes.—The Versals (Pp) in burnished gold; the rest in red or blue. [p131]
