Illuminated manuscripts collected by successive kings and queens of England form the heart of a unique and visually stunning collection held by the British Library. A key figure in the formation of this collection was King Edward IV (1461–83), who commissioned a number of luxury manuscripts decorated with his arms. Subsequent monarchs added to this library, which was given to the nation by George II in 1757.
Over 150 examples from this exceptional collection are presented in this catalog, which accompanies a major British Library exhibition of the same name. These manuscripts contain paintings produced by some of the finest artists of the Middle Ages. Highlights include the Book of Hours, made for Henry VIII’s great grandmother, Margaret Beauchamp; Henry VIII’s Psalter, commissioned and annotated by the king himself; maps of an itinerary from London to Apulia and to the Holy Land; and the Shrewsbury book, presented to Margaret of Anjou on her marriage to Henry VI in 1445. The catalog features full-page illustrations from each manuscript included in the exhibition, as well as three illustrated essays which explore the wider history and context of this unique collection.
Written by the curators of the exhibition, along with contributions from several experts in the field, Royal Manuscripts will be a much-heralded event for scholars and collectors seeking to better understand the lives and aspirations of those for whom these stunning artifacts were made.
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“Sumptuous and highly readable, this catalogue by McKendrick, Lowden, and Doyle for a recent British Library exhibition is beautifully produced and richly illustrated with numerous color plates, as befits its regal matter. . . . Recommended.”
(J. Oliver Choice )
About the Author
Scot McKendrick is head of history and classics at the British Library. He is the author of numerous publications on medieval and earlier manuscripts, including In a Monastery Library, Flemish Illuminated Manuscripts, and Illuminating the Renaissance. John Lowden is professor of art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London. His numerous publications include The Making of the Bibles Moralisées and Early Christion and Byzantine Art. Kathleen Doyle is curator of illuminated manuscripts at the British Library. Her previous publications include Bible Manuscripts.
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memorable illuminated manuscripts
Feb 13 2012
By Ivor E. Zetler
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This catalog is a selection of illuminated manuscripts sourced principally from the gift to the British nation by George II in 1757 and held in the British Library. There are nearly 2000 manuscripts in this collection. Together with 9000 books donated from the same source these volumes form the "Old Royal Library". In the exhibition 111 volumes have been chosen with an additional 37 being sourced from other collections in the British Library. Entry 1 is an Insular Gospel Book (1st half of the 8th Century)and the last, Motets for Henry VIII, is dated at 1516. Many of the manuscripts are of European origin.
The manuscripts on display are generally of exceptional quality and in a very good state of preservation. Each is given a full page illustration and the color reproduction is of a high standard with good definition of the gold. This is a soft cover catalog and possibly slightly overpriced ($45). A highly recommended issue for enthusiasts of illustrated manuscripts nonetheless.
The manuscripts on display are generally of exceptional quality and in a very good state of preservation. Each is given a full page illustration and the color reproduction is of a high standard with good definition of the gold. This is a soft cover catalog and possibly slightly overpriced ($45). A highly recommended issue for enthusiasts of illustrated manuscripts nonetheless.
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