When the first writings of the Middle Ages were penned, the information was most likely transcribed in Latin. The reason being, that Latin was the language of the Roman Catholic Church which dominated central and western Europe during the Middle Ages. As such, since the church remained the only aspect of education at the time, it was also the most common language for a medieval author.

While commoners continued to use this old language, a conversion to using elements of Celtic and Greek orthodoxy happened shortly thereafter. Some of the most well known writings of this genre were Igor's Campaign, Nibelungenlied, and Digenis Acritas. While often considered works of the individual, these anonymous writings of poets, priests and sages clearly take on the oral traditions of the time.

When one thinks of Celts associated with the Middle Ages, King Arthur usually comes to mind. For, it is King Arthur and the Round Table that made the period as memorable and remarkable as it has been since the beginning. It is works like the Marie de France and Maginogion which also survived that many in the Catholic faith continue to cherish unlike the pagans who tend to pay homage to King Arthur and the court.

Even when writers would submit original story lines, themes would often be attributed as having been quoted by an actor or actors. After which, the name of the authors took on less importance with many stories never attributed to a specific person. In time, authors became more respected, noted and honored for future works.

As might be expected, the majority of work created during this period was based in philosophical and theological thought. The Bible being one of the most popular books of the period. Catholics remained the intellectual center of society which resulted in a large collection of theological works being housed in different libraries. After which, a number of philosophical titles and others began to find a way on to shelves in local, regional and national libraries.

While a great deal of work was based in philosophy and theology, there were also sacred texts written with a purpose. For example, multiple treaties were written which attempted to reconcile pagan authors and the church. While successful at first, many pagans decided to reject the treaties and return to Greek and Roman writings rather than align with the church.

One text, The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine garnered so much attention that it is reported to have been read more often than the Bible. The Bible, being a book which those involved in the church read on a daily basis. Poets and prophets, philosophers and priests all had writings during this era. In one case, Goliardic poetry was often used by clerics who wish to express dissent and dissatisfaction.

There were also two notable Jewish authors working during the Middle Ages, these were Maimonides, born in Spain and Rashi, born in France. Each was quite well known for a number of different writings related to a variety of religious texts. Although, it was not long after that secular books like that of Beowolf and others began to show up at the marketplace and at different libraries in Europe, and eventually, the world.