The study of medieval and early modern inscriptions – a young research field compared to classical epigraphy – aims not only at the precise editing of these multifaceted historical and cultural sources, but also sees itself as a new history science connected to many other cultural history fields. The volume presents 15 papers that were held at an international conference by participants from Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland and provides the first detailed survey of early modern inscriptions with respect to their various functions, designs and messages. Although the majority of epigraphic monuments in most parts of Europe date from the early modern period, they have not been adequately studied, and thus this publication answers a desideratum. In addition to palaeography – the close analysis of the design and development of script and writing (seen in the interdependence of handwriting, printing and epigraphic writing) – other topics include inscriptions as sources for the history of culture, mentality, religions and art, as well as the connection between inscriptions and the languages of their texts.