The Art of the Bible: Illuminated Manuscripts from the Medieval World

A beautiful book about illuminated biblical manuscripts that takes the reader through 1,000 years of history and across the Christian world, featuring 45 expertly selected manuscripts. The books are arranged chronologically, starting in Constantinople and ending in Gondar, and provide a glimpse into the extraordinary art and beauty of these manuscripts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

An extensive and meticulously curated collection of 45 exquisitely illuminated bibles, spanning a millennium of history and traversing the Christian world, is presented in this captivating compendium. For centuries, the Bible has served as a source of inspiration for artistic creations, and illuminated biblical manuscripts stand as some of the most remarkable examples of early Christian painting and artistic interpretations. Compiled and authored by two esteemed experts with international recognition, this magnificent book immerses readers in the realm of illuminated biblical manuscripts. Through its captivating images, it transports us across a millennium of history, chronologically journeying through numerous significant centers of the Christian world. Our adventure begins in the Eastern metropolis of Constantinople, then proceeds to the northern island of Lindisfarne, followed by the imperial city of Aachen, back to the historic Canterbury, and finally to the western French region of Carolingian Tours. As our journey continues, we explore the riches of Winchester, the vibrant Mozarabic Spain, the sacred Jerusalem of the Crusaders, the picturesque Meuse valley, the northern Iraqi region, the cosmopolitan city of Paris, the bustling metropolis of London, the historic city of Bologna, the vibrant city of Naples, the ancient city of Bulgaria, the picturesque Low Countries, the Roman capital of Rome, and the enigmatic Persia. Our odyssey concludes in the majestic capital of imperial Ethiopia, Gondar. Forty-five remarkable books, each a precious treasure in its own right, serve as our guide through time and across continents. Together, they unlock the doors to an extraordinary exploration and appreciation of illuminated biblical manuscripts, some of the finest yet lesser-known masterpieces from the Middle Ages.

Weight: 1838g
Dimension: 221 x 274 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500026168