The invasions during the reign of King Alfred the Great created a disruption in the manuscript production in England.
When manuscript production resumed in the later portion of Alfred's reign, a break with the previous Insular style of manuscript illumination occurred.
The new style, although drawing some elements from Insular manuscripts, also was influenced by Carolingian, Byzantine, and Mediterranean traditions.
This listing includes every surviving manuscript with Anglo-Saxon miniatures, drawings, or other major decoration.
It also includes a representative sample of manuscripts with Anglo-Saxon pen-work initials.