Gothic Manuscripts

I've actually got two different sets of books in this category, one for Early Gothic and one for Later Gothic. Since I assume most people who are interested in Gothic Manuscripts would be interested in all of them, I'm listing them together. They don't have to be sold together, however.

Morgan, Nigel J. A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles: Early Gothic Manuscripts, 1250-1285 (Vol. 2). Harvey Miller Publishers, 1988.

This book is a vital academic resource that provides a comprehensive overview of illuminated manuscripts created during the early Gothic period in England. This volume is part of a series that meticulously documents the illuminated manuscripts from the British Isles. Volume 2 focuses on manuscripts created between 1250 and 1285, exploring 188 examples of Gothic manuscripts housed in various collections. The volume features 462 illustrations, including eight color plates, which allow readers to appreciate the details of these artistic works. Morgan provides a scholarly examination of the manuscripts' themes, stylistic elements, and iconography, as well as an analysis of the cultural and religious influences that shaped manuscript production during this period.

The text offers a deep dive into the artistic techniques and materials used by illuminators and scribes of the time, making it an essential reference for art historians, medievalists, and those studying Gothic art and manuscript illumination. The book is not only a catalog but also a critical analysis of how these illuminated manuscripts reflect the religious, social, and political contexts of 13th-century England. This volume is an invaluable tool for researchers seeking to understand the evolution of Gothic art in the British Isles and its broader European connections.

My copy is in very good condition, with light shelf-wear. Includes the dust jacket also in good condition. No prior ownership markings and I could find no marks or highlighting inside. 374 pages with 462 illustrations including 8 in color. It's an oversize book, 9¼"wide x 13¼"tall x 1¼"thick. ISBN: 9780905203539 / 0905203534.

I'm asking $80.

Scott, Kathleen L. A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles: Later Gothic Manuscripts, 1390-1490. 2 vols, Harvey Miller Publishers, 1996.

This is the sixth and final volume in the series A Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles. Published in two volumes, this work offers a comprehensive survey of 15th-century illuminated manuscripts produced in England. Scott presents over 140 manuscripts, many of which had never been extensively studied before, covering a wide range of genres, from liturgical books like the Carmelite Missal and Bedford Hours to manuscripts of medical, botanical, and historical importance. These works provide a deep insight into both the artistic practices and social contexts of the time.

Volume 1 contains the text and illustrations, featuring detailed commentary on the development of manuscript production during this period, including the transition from monastic to commercial workshops in London. Volume 2 is the catalog, providing a meticulously detailed index of the manuscripts and a bibliography for further study. The combination of scholarly analysis and rich visual content makes this set essential for historians, art historians, and scholars of medieval literature

I struggled a bit to find a fair price for this set as most of the cheap ones for sale were for only one of the volumes, I have both. My set is in very good condition, with light shelf-wear. Includes the dust jackets also in very good condition. No prior ownership markings and I could find no marks or highlighting inside. Volume 1 has 296 pages, 560 illustrations with 17 in color. Volume 2 has 400 pages. They are over size books, 9¼"wide x 13¼"tall x 3"thick (both books together). ISBN: 9780905203041 / 0905203046.

I'm asking $80.

If someone buys both sets, I'll sell them $150 (not including credit card fees, if applicable).