Illumination & Manuscript Library

Illumination & Manuscripts  

These books are are a survey through specific topics/regions/eras. They include examples of Illumination & Manuscripts of the middle ages. 

Several of these books are in French. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wSw1ijDvk4Dbm6tG04Q6DDe6v6Sh6MKuMfHWTiYFxjg/edit?usp=sharing

Note: Carolingian Painting (pictured above) is sold. 

Illuminated Masterpieces

J. Paul Getty Museum. Chefs-d'oeuvre du J. Paul Getty Museum. J. Paul Getty Museum, 1997.

Chefs-d'oeuvre du J. Paul Getty Museum is a beautifully curated collection of some of the most important and iconic pieces housed in the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Published by the museum itself, this volume provides a comprehensive overview of its diverse art collections, ranging from classical antiquities to medieval manuscripts, and from Renaissance paintings to modern photography. The book showcases the museum's masterpieces, offering readers a glimpse into the breadth of its holdings and the artistic achievements from different periods and cultures.

Each artwork is accompanied by detailed descriptions, highlighting the historical and cultural context of the pieces, as well as expert commentary on the techniques and artistry involved. The book includes high-quality reproductions, allowing readers to appreciate the intricacies and beauty of works by renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, alongside exquisite decorative art objects and sculptures. This book serves not only as a visual feast but also as an educational resource for art enthusiasts and scholars alike, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic treasures within the Getty Museum's collection.

Text is in French. Used - Soft Cover, Excellent condition. ISBN 0-89236-449-1.

Asking $55.

Living in the Middle Ages

Poirion, Daniel, and Claude Thomasset. L'art de Vivre au Moyen Âge: Codex Vindobonensis Serie Nova 2644, conservé à la Bibliothèque Nationale d'Autriche. Philippe Lebaud, 1995.

This is a detailed facsimile reproduction of the Tacuinum Sanitatis, a medieval health handbook. The Tacuinum, originating from Arabic medical traditions, is a collection of concise precepts focused on maintaining good health through the proper use of plants, foods, and daily activities. What makes this particular version unique is the beautifully illustrated depictions of medieval life, providing a vivid representation of everyday activities in Northern Italy during the late Middle Ages.

The book features over 200 full-page color illustrations that showcase how medieval people lived, worked, and took care of their health. It offers insights into domestic life, personal hygiene, diet, and even clothing styles, presenting an immersive look at how individuals sought harmony between the natural world and their own well-being. This facsimile edition is based on a manuscript conserved at the Austrian National Library, making it a valuable resource for those interested in medieval history, art, and the intersection of medicine and daily life​.

This book is written in French. Hard Cover w/ Dust Cover, Box with scuffing to bottom of box. We pasted a bookplate on the inside of the cover, but it is otherwise in fine condition. The book is 13.78 x 9.06 x 1.42 in. 2866452062.

Asking $60. (Will split shipping costs with you as this is a really heavy book)

Illuminated Manuscripts

Watson, Rowan. Illuminated Manuscripts and Their Makers. London: V&A Publications, 2004.

This book offers a captivating exploration into the world of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, focusing not only on the art itself but also on the craftsmen and women behind these intricate works. Watson delves into the processes and techniques used to create these visually stunning manuscripts, offering insight into the roles of scribes, illuminators, and patrons. The book presents the ways in which these masterpieces were produced, from the preparation of parchment and pigments to the detailed artistry of the illuminations, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the craft of manuscript production.

Accompanied by numerous high-quality images from the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the book provides a detailed look at various manuscripts and the artists behind them. Watson also explores the social and economic circumstances that shaped the production of these works, highlighting the collaboration between patrons and artists. For students of art history, medieval studies, or anyone fascinated by illuminated manuscripts, this book is a vital resource, offering both a visual feast and scholarly insights into the creation and cultural significance of these historical treasures.

This is a hardback book with a mylar-wrapped dust jacket in very good condition. Other than an owner's mark on the first sheet, there are no marks or highlighting inside. ISBN 9780810966062 / 0810966069.

I am asking $50.

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).

Masters of the Italic Letter

Atkins, Kathryn A. Masters of the Italic Letter: Twenty-Two Exemplars from the Sixteenth Century. Allen Lane, 1988.

Masters of the Italic Letter is an in-depth exploration of the italic script as practiced by renowned Renaissance writing masters. The book features twenty-two exemplars, or copybooks, from the 16th century, with detailed commentary on each master, their techniques, and their influence on the development of calligraphy. These exemplars provide both practical examples of the italic hand and insights into the broader cultural significance of script in Renaissance Europe. The book includes biographical information on the scribes, as well as descriptions of the intended audiences and the printers who produced these influential works.

Richly illustrated with facsimiles of these historical scripts, the book serves as both an artistic and educational resource for calligraphers and historians. Atkins’ annotations shed light on how these masters perfected the italic style, offering a comprehensive analysis of their techniques, writing materials, and the role of calligraphy in the dissemination of knowledge. The volume includes a foreword by James M. Wells, and concludes with a bibliography for further study, making it an indispensable reference for anyone interested in the history of writing and typography.

As you can see in the photos, my dust jacket is a little beat up around the edges. The red cloth binding with gilt title on front and spine still look clear and bright. There is an ownership label on the front page, but otherwise it is in very good condition with no marks or highlighting inside. Book dimensions are roughly 12½"wide x 9¼"tall x 1"thick. ISBN: 9780713990218 / 071399021X. 

I'm asking $125.

Text from the dust jacket: