Codices

Ancient manuscripts generally taking the form of the modern book: bound leaves of paper or parchment with information inscribed on both faces. Most often they are comprised of Christian scripture or ancient classics. The term is also extended to manuscripts of Pre-Columbian American cultures. These latter codices are usually in the form of single long sheets of accordion-folded amatl paper or deerskin. For books that are printed rather than inscribed, before 1501, use 'incunabula.'