Medieval Manuscripts and Early Printed Books

Medieval Manuscripts and Early Printed Books

Students study the history of the book from 300 to 1500 A.D., concentrating on the role of visual imagery in books and the place of books in medieval and renaissance culture. In addition to discussing the relation between text and image, and studying the stylistic contexts for ancient, medieval, and Renaissance illumination and early woodcut illustration, participants in this course consider such additional topics as methods of book production, the development of cycles of illustration for religious and secular books, and the relationship between manuscripts and early printed books. Lectures and discussion are supplemented by visits to the fine collection of manuscripts, printed books, and facsimiles in the Kenneth Spencer Research Library.