"Runes -- letters in a set of related alphabets used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet -- can be found across northwestern Europe, on everything from gravestones to jewelry. This mysterious and ancient script, in use from late antiquity through the early Middle Ages, has fascinated forensic scientists, archaeologists, linguists, art historians -- and even J. R. R. Tolkien. Illustrated with objects from the British Museum's collection that show the inscriptions in context, this engaging book is the ideal introduction to an age-old writing system"--Back cover.