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 Manuscript on Alexander the Great

Scott McKendrick. The History of Alexander the Great. An Illuminated Manuscript of Vasco da Lucena's French translation of the Ancient Text by Quintus Curtius Rufus, The J. Paul Getty Museum, 1996 

"The History of Alexander the Great: An Illuminated Manuscript of Vasco da Lucena's French Translation of the Ancient Text by Quintus Curtius Rufus" is a beautifully crafted work that presents an illuminated manuscript version of a 15th-century French translation of Quintus Curtius Rufus’ ancient Roman biography of Alexander the Great. The translation was done by Vasco da Lucena, a Portuguese scholar, and this manuscript is richly adorned with medieval artwork, making it a significant cultural and historical artifact.

This book offers two primary components: The narrative of Alexander the Great's life and the art of the manuscript. This is a fascinating glimpse into the 15th-century Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity. The translation of Quintus Curtius Rufus’ work by Vasco da Lucena, commissioned by Charles the Bold, demonstrates the efforts of European elites to connect with and embody the ideals of classical heroism. Each page is adorned with elaborate illustrations, making it a treasure trove of medieval artistry. The illuminations are not only beautiful but also offer a medieval interpretation of Alexander’s life, presenting him in a way that reflects the chivalric values and knightly ideals of the time.

This is a very large, lavishly illustrated book is in excellent condition. The slip cover has minor sun fading and the book is in excellent condition. The dimensions are approximately 13.75 x 19.63 x 1.91 in  9780892363711.

I'm asking $35. (I will split shipping costs with you given that the size of this book will cost extra.)

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.

Illuminated Manuscripts of Medieval Spain

Mentré, Mireille. Illuminated Manuscripts of Medieval Spain. Thames and Hudson, 1997. 

This book is a richly illustrated exploration of the artistic and cultural significance of illuminated manuscripts produced in Spain during the Middle Ages. The book covers a wide range of manuscript types, from religious texts such as Bibles and psalters to historical and literary works, each intricately adorned with vibrant images, borders, and lettering. Mentré's research offers readers insight into the workshops, techniques, and materials used by medieval Spanish illuminators, as well as the regional influences, including those from the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish communities, that shaped the unique aesthetic of these manuscripts.

This work highlights not only the beauty of the manuscripts but also their cultural and historical context. The illuminated manuscripts of Spain reflect a blending of artistic traditions that emerged from the interactions between the various religious and ethnic groups of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. By focusing on key works from the 9th to the 15th centuries, Mentré examines the development of manuscript illumination techniques and their evolution in response to the changing political and cultural landscape of Spain.

It is essential for art historians, medievalists, and anyone with a passion for the visual arts of the Middle Ages. Through detailed images and scholarly commentary, Mentré brings these masterpieces to life, showcasing the skill and creativity of medieval artisans while also providing an in-depth look at the cultural exchanges that defined medieval Spain.

Large hardback book in red cloth with gilt. Comes in dust jacket, in very good condition. Includes 252 illustrations, 146 in color. The book itself is fine, with no marks or highlighting. It is roughly 9½"wide x 12"tall x 1¼"thick. ISBN 9780500017326.

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).

Hours of Mary of Burgundy

Inglis, Eric. The Hours of Mary of Burgundy: Codex Vindobonensis 1857, Vienna, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. Harvey Miller Publishers, 1995.

The Hours of Mary of Burgundy is a facsimile reproduction of the Codex Vindobonensis 1857, housed in the Austrian National Library, one of the most celebrated illuminated manuscripts from the late Middle Ages. This beautiful Book of Hours, written by the renowned scribe Nicolas Spierinc, a favorite of the Burgundian Court, stands out not only for its spiritual content but also for its breathtaking artistry. The manuscript features the work of the Master of Mary of Burgundy, the most famous Flemish illuminator of the 15th century, whose intricate miniatures fill the pages with deep emotion and striking visual effects. The illuminators were tasked with stirring the soul and dazzling the viewer, and in this manuscript, they succeed like never before.

The facsimile reproduces all 380 pages of the original manuscript in full color, providing a complete visual experience of the rich Gothic miniatures that combine architectural elements and detailed landscapes. The commentary volume by Eric Inglis offers invaluable insight into the manuscript’s creation, analyzing its artistic techniques and historical significance. With references to Mary of Burgundy’s position in the Burgundian court, this set not only preserves an extraordinary piece of medieval art but also provides a scholarly lens through which to appreciate its deeper cultural and religious context.

This is a like new copy with mylar-wrapped dust jacket. There are no marks or highlights inside the book.

It's a fairly small book, measuring 6"wide x 8"tall by 1¾"thick, but is quite heavy for its size. This is a beautiful book.  ISBN: 9781872501871 / 1872501877. I'm asking $175.