Illuminated Manuscripts and Their Makers

by Rowan Watson

The magnificent pages of medieval missals, books of hours, brevaries, and bibles sparkle with detail illuminating the world in which they were created. This splendid volume, featuring some of the finest illuminated masterpieces from the exceptional collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, details the remarkable collaboration and craftsmanship that went into the creation of these delicate treasures. Close-up details show the intricacies of the various techniques used to create these fragile and rarely seen works. By helping the reader to appreciate the individual elements of illumination--the initials, borders, illustrations, script, and binding--Rowan Watson brings the world of the scribes, illuminators, and book dealers to life, and sheds light on the cooperative religious communities in which many of them worked. Watson also looks at the survival of illumination after the printing press and its revival in the 19th century in the hands of such pioneering designers as Owen Jones and William Morris.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Art History, Christian

144 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan Watson owns my entire ass.

[Diana McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book from the V&A Museum and wonderful information on the history of illuminated MS

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview and lavishly illustrated