Bestiary
Richard Barber
Englische Übersetzung der lateinische Handschrift MS Bodley 764.
Dieses um 1250 enstandene Werk besticht durch extrem
farbenprächtige Tierdarstellungen und „lehrreiche“ Texte. Alle
Abbildungen sind in Größe und Positionierung wie beim Original
angeordnet.
Bestiaries are a particularly characteristic product of medieval
England, and give a unique insight into the medieval mind. Richly
illuminated and lavishly produced, they were luxury objects for
noble families. Their three-fold purpose was to provide a natural
history of birds, beasts and fishes, to draw moral examples from
animal behaviour (the industrious bee, the stubborn ass), and to
reveal a mystical meaning - the phoenix, for instance, as a symbol
ofChrist's resurrection.
This Bestiary, MS Bodley 764, was produced around the middle of the
thirteenth century and is of singular beauty and interest. The
lively illustrations have the freedom and naturalistic quality
ofthe later Gothic style, and make dazzling use of colour. This
book reproduces the 136 illuminations to the same size and in the
same place as the original manuscript, fitting the text around
them. Richard Barber's translation from the original Latin is a
delight to read, capturing both the serious intent of the
manuscript and its charm.
Format 13,8 x 21,6 cm, Paperback, 206 Seiten, engl. Text, viele
Farb-Abbildungen
Best.-Nr. Bb030
