Bibles and Bestiaries: A Guide to Illuminated Manuscripts - Hardcover

Wilson, Elizabeth B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374306850 ISBN 13: 9780374306854

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1994

Synopsis

"Using examples of illuminated manuscripts from the Pierpont Morgan Library as illustrations, Wilson describes how a book was crafted in the Middle Ages...Magnificent...The volume is as elegant and special as its subject."-Boxed review/Booklist

"A glorious book, both fascinating and gorgeously presented."-Pointer/Kirkus Reviews

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7 Up-This finely wrought volume illuminates the power of words and pictures on paper (or velum) to inform, to influence ideas, and to stir emotions. Using the extensive collection of manuscripts in the Pierpont Morgan Library, Wilson demonstrates the many ways that writers and artists recorded the major concerns of their day. Of special interest for modern minds is the impressive demonstration of the artistic importance of what, too often, is called the "minor art" of illuminated manuscripts. Using examples from Europe as well as Persian and Arabic works, the author shows the aesthetic content of the calligraphy, decorations, pictures, and their design. She makes a fine case for considering them major art objects. The 87 beautifully reproduced illuminations (mostly in color) have the quality of replicas, and they allow readers to respond to the details and to appreciate the ultimate craftsmanship of the frequently anonymous artisans. The text is brief and lucid, and the expanded captions supplement the flow of the narrative with informative, even amusing anecdotes. The author offers considerable insight into the relationship of text and illustration. This handsome title should help youngsters better value our legacy of manuscripts and their contemporary descendents-the picture book.
Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, Columbus
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 6-9. Using examples of illuminated manuscripts from the Pierpont Morgan Library as illustrations, Wilson describes how a book was crafted in the Middle Ages. The discussion ranges from the intricacies of illumination to the inclusion of entertainment stories--such as the King Arthur tales--in the manuscript process. The author also explains how vellum is made from animal skins, lettering styles, and the various kinds of Gospels. Despite Wilson's effort to make her subject understandable to young people and the book's accessible layout, this is a complex topic, and the book will need a persevering reader. On the other hand, everyone can enjoy the magnificent illustrations, which have been chosen for their appeal to young eyes--for instance, the detail of a border featuring a rabbit doctor and his two canine patients on crutches. A beautiful adjunct to studies of the Middle Ages, the volume is as elegant and special as its subject. Ilene Cooper

About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0374306850
• ISBN 13: 9780374306854
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 64