These manuscripts offer a corrective to the popular perception that medieval manuscripts were all written by monks. Our imagination of the past is delineated by patriarchalism infused by prejudice. If we were wrong in imagining that all scribes were men, what else might we be wrong about?
pickThis was an interesting read, I appreciated the translation of old English and the call numbers of the books cited.
The book provides a lot of information about manuscripts and the people who requested, paid for, made, and saved them.
4/5 stars, read for a mix of medieval history, history of the book, and an exploration of the British Manuscripts currently available
pickExcellently researched and put together! Wellesley makes these fascinating treasures accessible for the modern reader. I enjoyed it, but it‘s not the sort of book where when I‘m done reading I feel inspired to go buy a copy for all my friends.
Starting off 2023 with this nonfiction book about medieval manuscripts. Every year I give litsy a try and fail to keep up - maybe 2023 is the year I commit!
pickI really enjoyed this book about manuscripts. Some of the books she talks about in detail are the Cuthbert Gospel, Malory‘s Morte Darther, Beowulf, and Henry VIII private prayer book. The author also talks about known and more likely unknown artists of illuminated manuscripts such as The Master of the Leaping Figures, written letters of the time period, female authors, discoveries of texts, and disasters. I enjoyed the history surrounding these 📚
pickGorgeous facsimile of a Nook of Hours by The Master of Mary of Burgundy.
Some other books for inspiration... 😁
Reading has been going a little slowly for me recently. Partly because I have been spending time doing more art. I have been doing some basic letters. Can't wait to get into the more intricate designs in this book. 😁
Medieval art is my jam. Found this beauty today.
I've always had a fascination for illuminated manuscripts, whether Italian biblical designs, dark ages scrawls or stylised Russian iconography. I just think there's something peaceful and rich about them.
Illustration from my #folio of The 1000 greatest paintings
