Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages: Exploring a Connected World

Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages is a comprehensive textbook that covers twelve centuries of art and architecture created by diverse peoples and religious groups in western Eurasia and North Africa. It features over 450 color illustrations, coverage of secular and religious arts, informational text boxes, and five interpretive themes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

A sweeping exploration of the artistic wonders of medieval Europe, Byzantium, and the Islamic world, Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages offers a comprehensive survey of the diverse creative expressions of this remarkable era. Authored by Jill Caskey, Adam S. Cohen, and Linda Safran, this textbook delves into the rich tapestry of art and architecture that emerged across western Eurasia and North Africa over a span of twelve centuries.

Designed for a wide range of courses in the history of medieval art and architecture, this textbook stands out with its unique features. It boasts over 450 vibrant color illustrations, showcasing a wide array of captivating works created between approximately 250 CE and 1450 CE. The coverage spans secular and religious arts, encompassing polytheistic, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. In addition, informative text boxes provide insights into key issues, while a comprehensive glossary of terms aids in understanding the terminology used in the study of medieval art.

What sets this textbook apart is its seamless integration of diverse cultures within a single chronological framework. The authors skillfully weave together the narratives of various regions, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of these societies. Five broad interpretive themes—artistic production, status and identity, connection to the past, ideology, and access to the sacred—serve as guiding threads throughout the book, providing a framework for understanding the complexities of medieval art and architecture.

To enhance the learning experience, Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages is accompanied by a comprehensive website (artofthemiddleages.com). This online resource offers an abundance of additional works, dynamic maps and timelines, podcasts, new primary-source translations, and much more. It serves as a valuable companion to the textbook, enriching the reader's understanding of the period and providing a wealth of resources for further exploration.

In summary, Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages is a groundbreaking textbook that offers a panoramic view of the artistic achievements of medieval Europe, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. Through its extensive illustrations, informative text, and comprehensive website, it provides students and scholars with a deep and engaging exploration of this fascinating period. This book recalibrates our understanding of medieval art history, shedding light on the diverse cultures, artistic traditions, and social contexts that shaped this remarkable era.

Weight: 57g
Dimension: 305 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501766107