Penned and Painted: The Art & Meaning of Books in Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts

The concept of the book was essential to medieval and Renaissance Western European and Eastern Mediterranean culture. Lucy Freeman Sandler, a renowned expert on medieval art, explores the British Library's priceless manuscript collections in Penned & Painted, revealing the many purposes and meanings of these books during the era. She investigates the creation, appearance, and content of these books, as well as how they were displayed, consumed, and destroyed. The book is full-color and includes numerous images specially photographed for it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: British Library Publishing

The concept of the book held a paramount significance throughout the Western European and Eastern Mediterranean realms during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. From its very inception, the term "book" -sefer in Hebrew, biblia in Greek, and liber in Latin-was closely associated with sacred writings, specifically the Holy Scriptures of Jews and Christians, who were referred to as "people of the book." This centrality of the book to medieval thought is evident in the countless depictions of books that adorn the manuscripts of the era, whether found in the most revered, intricately adorned, sacred texts or in devotional and secular works. In her captivating book, Penned & Painted, Lucy Freeman Sandler, a renowned authority on medieval art, invites us on a deeply personal yet profoundly insightful journey through some of the British Library's most precious manuscript holdings. Through the captivating firsthand exploration of 60 manuscripts, she delves into the diverse types and forms of books as depicted during that time. Sandler investigates the methods of book production, the visual aesthetics of these works, and the insights they provide into the lives and skills of the scribes and illuminators. She also explores the content and significance of these books, shedding light on their role in recording history, conveying religious messages, and fostering artistic expression. Moreover, Sandler examines the ways in which these books were displayed, consumed, and, in some cases, tragically destroyed. Penned & Painted is a visual feast, adorned with full-color illustrations that were specially commissioned for this volume. Each page showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors of the manuscripts, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of medieval literature and art. Through her meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Sandler offers a fresh perspective on the enduring power of the book, reminding us of its profound impact on human culture and society throughout history.

Dimension: 250 x 185 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712354363