Book Illumination in the Middle Ages : An Introduction

Harvey Miller, London, first English edition, 1986. Cloth, large 8vo, 28 cm,. 221, [2] pp, 210 illustrations, 32 colour plates with gold. From the preface by J.J.G. Alexander : "This book is an introduction to one of the most significant art-forms of the Middle Ages by one of the world's greatest authorities on the subject, Professor Otto Pacht. It is not a history of book illumination in the conventional sense but a unique account of facts and ideas gathered during several decades of teaching and research. Based on lectures given at the University of Vienna, the present text not only examines all types of decoration and illumination from the point of view of format and style, but also goes far beyond the factual. The author explains the basic vocabulary and concepts by which this art-form is to be understood, and offers deep insights into the fundamental philosophy, theology, technology and cultural ambience that underlie the production of book illumination throughout its long history. In examining in detail the relationships between script and decoration, between image and frame, surface and space, Professor Pacht opens the reader's eyes to new aspects of the art of book illumination. He gives an invaluable account of the transition from roll to codex and the resulting problems and solutions affecting page lay-out; and he analyzes the function and development of the initial, the traditions of Bible, Psalter and Apocalypse illustration, and the particular characteristics of didactic pictures. The volume is richly illustrated with carefully chosen examples ranging from late-antique roll illustration to Renaissance miniatures; and the thirty-two colour plates, with special gold printing, in themselves provide a visual survey of the art of the medieval book. A select Bibliography and a Glossary of technical terms has been included to help the reader, and the book also contains a most useful Bibliography of Otto Pacht's writings on book illumination. Near Fine in Near Fine dustwrapper.