A bestiary is a book of beasts which originated in the Middle Ages. The book was a compilation of descriptions of beasts, and then the descriptions were used as bases for allegorical teachings. They were often illustrated, as most of the public was unable to read. In this large website of over 3000 pages, any and all aspects of animals of the middle ages are addressed, but there is an emphasis on the bestiaries. Visitors interested in learning about the classification of the families of the bestiaries, including in the ones in Latin and French, should click on "Manuscripts" on the homepage menu, and then click on "Family" under the "Categories" heading. There is an abundance of information in the "Family" link, and links within it. Visitors interested in seeing what these often fantastical beasts look like, should click on "Beasts" on the homepage menu, and then view them "alphabetically" or via a "cross reference index". The cross reference index gives the common name for the beast, in brackets, so visitors looking for particular animals can find them easiest there.
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