Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts: A Guide to Technical Terms, Revised Edition

Michelle P. Brown
Revised by Elizabeth C. Teviotdale and Nancy K. Turner

What is a historiated initial? What are canon tables? What is a drollery? This revised edition of Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts offers definitions of the key elements of illuminated manuscripts, demystifying the techniques, processes, materials, nomenclature, and styles used in the making of these precious books. Updated to reflect current research and technologies, this beautifully illustrated guide includes images of important manuscript illuminations from the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum and beyond. Concise explanations of the technical terms most frequently encountered in manuscript studies make this portable volume an essential resource for students, scholars, and readers who wish a deeper understanding and enjoyment of illuminated manuscripts and medieval book production.

Michelle P. Brown is professor emerita of medieval manuscript studies at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. She was previously curator of the manuscript collections at the British Library (1986–2004). Elizabeth C. Teviotdale is assistant director of the Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University. She previously worked in the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Department of Manuscripts (1992–2002) and is the author of The Stammheim Missal (Getty Publications, 2001). Nancy K. Turner is conservator of manuscripts in the Department of Paper Conservation at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

“Overall, this book remains an invaluable resource for the teaching of the study of illuminated manuscripts. The authors of this excellent mise-à-jour should be thanked for their contribution to what will remain a standard introductory and reference resource.”
—The Medieval Review

“ . . . a vital reference point for anyone keen on medieval culture or the history of the book.”
— Apollo

“Equally useful for scholars, students, and casual museum visitors, it provides many of the essential tools for both understanding and enjoying these beautiful books.”
—Times Higher Education

“Essential.”
—Choice

“A very elegant and practical work.”
—Art de l’enluminure

“Overall its thoroughness, high-quality photographs, and wide range of subjects covered make it much more than a simple guide to technical terms, or a resource solely for students of illuminated manuscripts.”
—Emma Treleaven, The Journal of Dress History

“Anyone lucky enough to teach medieval art will find this little book one of the most satisfying and necessary additions to a library and arguably a required text for students given its affordability and textual clarity of glossary definitions as well as lavish images worth poring over for well-spent hours of aesthetic pleasure.”
—Patrick Hunt, Comitatus: A Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies

128 pages
6 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches
110 color illustrations
ISBN 978-1-60606-578-5
paperback

Getty Publications
Imprint: J. Paul Getty Museum
Series: Looking At

2018