A Medieval Miscellany

by Judith Herrin (Editor)

Using 138 medieval texts and more than 400 illustrations drawn from period manuscripts, this book covers topics ranging from love to "a Byzantine emperor abroad."

Genres: History, Medieval, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Historical

207 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Judith Herrin studied history at the Universities of Cambridge and Birmingham, receiving her doctorate from the latter; she has also worked in Athens, Paris and Munich, and held the post of Stanley J. Seeger Professor in Byzantine History, Princeton University before taking up her appointment as the second Professor of Late Antique and Byzantine Studies at King's. Upon her retirement in 2008 she became a Research Fellow in the Department.

She is best known for her books, The Formation of Christendom (London 1989), Women in Purple (London, 2000), and Byzantium: the Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire (London, 2007); she has also published widely on Byzantine archaeology and other fields. Her current research interests include women in Byzantium and Byzantium in relation to Islam and the West. In 2002 she was awarded the Golden Cross of Honour by the President of the Hellenic Republic of Greece.

Reviews

[Melanie Rippon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for what it is which is basically a "coffee-table" or gift book, of excerpts from medieval manuscripts (in translation). Beautifully bound, cloth-covered hardback, with thick pages & extensive reproductions of illustrations & details from various Bibles, Psalters, Books of Hours, etc. Nice clear font & the page layouts are well-arranged, not cluttered. Excerpts from a variety of sources, Islamic as well as both Western & Orthodox (Byzantine) Christianity.

Anyone looking for an extensive introduction to medieval thought on the topics covered (war, sex, death, commerce, etc.) will be disappointed. This is more of a "taster" for anyone new to medieval literature - as well as a book to just enjoy browsing through.

[Basia Norén · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting collection of medieval texts and drawings. Definitely worth reading!

[Sarah Stirrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most richly illustrated and gorgeous book I’ve ever owned. Filled with modern translations of medieval tales, it’s informative and illuminating. Makes the era come to life.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well illustrated book of source texts. One you glean from, not read cyber-to-cover.

[Rebecca White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and satisfying, especially if you want short excerpts rather than to read a complete text. You won't get a complete picture of the medieval mind or world view - this reading is far too light for that. But you'll certainly get a taste of it. I especially appreciate that the book isn't all from the perspective of Christians - there are plenty of Jewish and Islamic writings and art here as well.

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very pretty book, filled with brief excerpts from period texts (suitably translated) and a dazzling array of period artwork from Ireland to the Byzantine Empire. On the other hand, this book is in no wise in depth; even with the illustrations taking up 25-50% of each page, no selection is more than 1-2 pages. Essentially a Medieval coffee table book, but well done for all that.

[Ceridwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a beautifully produced book. The brilliantly colored illuminations were printed on thick, creamy paper. The illustrations chosen were charming and unique. The text was quite varied and interesting. I liked how it was organized, from summer to winter; birth to death. It was like seeing glimpses of the Middle Ages through the window of a train speeding through time.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Lulu]

500s-1400s