Manuscripts are handwritten documents created before printing was invented. They were used to record important information in books, scrolls, and records. Many were written before the 1400s.

Examples include religious texts such as medieval Bibles and historical records written by scholars. Manuscripts were often written on parchment made from animal skin or on early forms of paper. Writing was done carefully by hand, sometimes with decorated letters and illustrations.

Manuscripts are kept in libraries and archives around the world. They are studied to learn about language, history, and culture.