This research underscores the significance of the Transylvanian Saxons as actors in the cultural history of Europe.

The presence of books in southern Transylvania (together with various other expressions of writing) draws the complex picture of a literate society, in which gifted young men attended a well-organised network of elementary schools, continued their training abroad, then returned from European universities, and served their home communities through ecclesiastical or secular careers.

This volume addresses less studied aspects of the culture of medieval Transylvania, such as the local decoration and illumination of manuscripts, charters, and printed books. It also aims to provide an update on the current state of research concerning the literate behaviour of the Saxon communities in medieval Transylvania, while suggesting future research directions.