Gothic Manuscripts: 1260-1320. Part Two
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Book Series
A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in France, vol. 1
Romanesque Manuscripts: The Twelfth Century
Volume One: Texts and Illustrations; Volume Two: Catalogue
Walter Cahn
- Pages:2 vols, 480 p.
- Size:230 x 330 mm
- Language(s):English
- Publication Year:1996
- € 75,00 EXCL. VAT RETAIL PRICE
- ISBN: 978-1-872501-60-4
- Hardback
- Out of Print
In dealing with the very large body of manuscripts that survives from the Romanesque period, Professor Cahn not only discusses the high points of the illuminator's art, but also surveys a broad range of books from Bibles and Saint's Lives to literary and historical writings.
Review(s)
'The author's deep learning and wide interest make these catalogue entries models of their kind. The result is a revelation, for this material has never been made available in so full and systematic a way, and warm praise must be extended to the author, editors and publishers alike'. Times Literary Supplement. 'One great strength of a study like this is that it present information and ideas with a minimum of prejudice. It thus opens the field up to further enquiry from as many directions as the enquirer has the ingenuity to devise... The Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in France is
Summary
This publication covers the very large body of material that survives from the Romanesque period, a time of intense creativity. Professor Cahn not only discusses the high points of the illuminator's art, but also surveys a broad range of books from Bibles and Saint's Lives to literary and historical writings. The manuscripts are arranged by region, within the present boundaries of France. In this introduction the author deals with themes such as the material evidence, types and styles of illumination and historiography. This gives scope for a consideration of patronage - both ecclesiastical and secular - and the development of libraries. The Catalogue gives detailed information about format, style and iconography, contents, provenance and literature for each manuscript, and is particulary valuable for the identification of different artist and scribes. The corpus of illustrations complements the Catalogue and provides a much needed visual conspectus of French Romanesque book illumination. This first publication in the new series reveals hitherto unknown material and will serve scholars and collectors as a definitive reference book for an understanding of the variety and artistic richness of French illuminated manuscripts of this era.
