The British Library's online turn-up for the books

As well as some of the oldest and rarest books, the library can also lay claim to some of the most beautiful works of the illustrator's art, such as this medieval text. You can read the book and the written text in your own language, while fully appreciating the aesthetic experience.

With some 20 books already in the Turning the Pages catalogue, the plan is to add many more. For the coming years, a target of 200 additions has been mentioned.

Getting the books ready for viewing takes a lot of scanning and compiling work, but the end result is truly spectacular.

Photo credit: British Library