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

By Lucy Freedman Sandler

In Christianity and Judaism the sacred book was both metaphorical - the Word of God - and physical - the written text of the Hebrew and Christian Bible. The concept of the book was central to medieval thought and this centrality is reflected materially in countless images of books in medieval and renaissance manuscripts, not just in sacred texts but in devotional and secular works as well. Presenting 60 beautiful images from manuscripts in the British Library collections, Lucy Freeman Sandler takes us through a personal and highly insightful exploration of why and how books were portrayed, from their relevance as sacred symbols, to the creation of scripts, to how books were used in teaching, studying and chanting. With authoritative and engaging discussion about remarkable details within the pages of illuminated manuscripts, the author has revealed a deeper language and meaning at the heart of these artefacts.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0712354360
• ISBN13: 9780712354363
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: British Library
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.6" x 10.0"