Review of the hardback: 'In its exposition, he [Everett] has brought together in a systematic way for the first time a diverse and comprehensive array of evidence surrounding the use of writing in the Lombard realms. The study is well grounded in wide reading, both in the primary sources and in the secondary literature. Everett's style is lucid and lively, and the chapter introductions and conclusions are excellent, preventing the copious information presented in the book from overwhelming the reader. … Nicholas Everett has produced a lively and engaging study of this important topic. His book represents a solid contribution to the scholarship surrounding the uses of writing in the early Middle Ages, which will doubtless prove stimulating to students of literacy, early medieval Italy, and the transformation of late Roman practices and institutions.' Early Medieval Europe

• Introduction; 1. Italy and literacy before the Lombards; 2. The early Lombards and their settlement in Italy; 3. Language and literacy (i) Lombard language (ii) Latin; 4. Law and government; 5. Charters; 6. Inscriptions; 7. Manuscripts; Conclusion.