MINUSCULE

in calligraphy, small, or lowercase, letter in most alphabets, in contrast to the majuscule, or uppercase, capital letter. Unlike capitals, minuscules are not fully contained between two real or hypothetical lines; the stems of such ascending letters as b, d, f, h, k, and l range above the upper line, and such descending letters as p and q go below the lower. Carolingian minuscule was the first such style to emerge. This clear and manageable script was developed by Alcuin of York and his English monks at the Abbey of St. Martin's at Tours, Fr. Alcuin was the emperor Charlemagne's organizer of educational reforms between 781 and 790 AD. In order to carry out the enormous task assigned, Alcuin needed an easy-to-read script that could set a standard for the copying of the Vulgate Bible of St. Jerome. The beautiful and legible Carolingian minuscule that resulted introduced small, or lowercase, letters and, by beginning sentences with capital letters and ending them with periods, made possible the division of writing into sentences and paragraphs. The script was originally round and widely spaced. Over the years, however, it became laterally condensed, the strokes became heavier, and it took on Gothic characteristics. Gothic minuscule script originated in northern Europe and became popular throughout Europe in the 10th to the 15th century. It is an angular and compact letter form. See also black letter.