A Medieval Book of Beasts

Willene B. Clark

ISBN 10: 1837652678 / ISBN 13: 9781837652679

Published by Boydell and Brewer Ltd, GB, 2025

About this Item

Text, translation, and critical study of one of the most important medieval bestiaries.The bestiary - a book of animals, both real and mythical - is one of the most interesting and appealing medieval artefacts. The "Second-family" bestiary is the most important and frequently produced version (some 49 known manuscripts exist). Of English origin and predominantly English production, it boasts a spiritual text "modernized" to meet the needs of its time, and features exceptional illustrations. This study addresses the work's purpose and audience, challenging previous assumptions with direct evidence in the manuscripts themselves, linking their use to teachers at the elementary-school level, and exploring the art, the text, and the cultural context for the bestiary. It includes a critical edition and new English translation, and a catalogue raisonné of the manuscripts. Fully illustrated.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781837652679

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Medieval Book of Beasts
• Publisher: Boydell and Brewer Ltd, GB
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1837652678
• ISBN 13: 9781837652679
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 21.01W x 1.83H x 29.69D centimeters 21.01 centimeters width by 1.83 centimeters height by 29.69 centimeters depth
• Weight: 666 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Text, translation, and critical study of one of the most important medieval bestiaries.


The bestiary - a book of animals, both real and mythical - is one of the most interesting and appealing medieval artefacts. The "Second-family" bestiary is the most important and frequently produced version (some 49 known manuscripts exist). Of English origin and predominantly English production, it boasts a spiritual text "modernized" to meet the needs of its time, and features exceptional illustrations. This study addresses the work's purpose and audience, challenging previous assumptions with direct evidence in the manuscripts themselves, linking their use to teachers at the elementary-school level, and exploring the art, the text, and the cultural context for the bestiary. It includes a critical edition and new English translation, and a catalogue raisonné of the manuscripts. Fully illustrated.