Imperial Splendor: The Art of the Book in the Holy Roman Empire, 800-1500

This new book showcases over 150 images of beautifully illustrated books and precious bindings, primarily from North American collections, focusing on production and patronage in the Middle Ages. It explores the precedents set by the Carolingian forerunners of the Empire, the role of imperial monasteries in manuscript production, and the impact of Albrecht Durer and humanism on the arts of the book.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2021
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

This new volume, focusing on production and patronage, showcases over 150 captivating images of beautifully illustrated books and precious bindings, primarily sourced from North American collections. The book is organized chronologically, yet each section explores a distinct thematic perspective. The opening section delves into the precedents set by the Carolingian forebears of the Empire, examining deluxe imperial manuscripts associated with the Ottonian emperors. The second section explores the crucial role of imperial monasteries in the production of manuscripts, particularly focusing on the patronage of aristocratic elites. The final section takes readers on a tour of imperial cities during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, including Vienna, Prague, Augsburg, and Nuremberg. This concluding section examines the profound impact of Albrecht Durer and humanism on the arts of the book. Additionally, the volume includes a comprehensive glossary, indexes, and maps that illustrate the shifting borders of the Empire over a span of 700 years.

Weight: 1468g
Dimension: 237 x 288 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911282860