The Illuminated Page: Ten Centuries of Manuscript Painting in The British Library (1997) by Janet Backhouse is a stunning visual journey through the golden age of medieval and Renaissance manuscript art. This richly illustrated volume showcases over 150 masterpieces from the British Library’s unparalleled collection, spanning from the 9th to the 16th century.
Backhouse, a renowned curator and scholar, provides insightful commentary on the evolution of illumination—from intricate Celtic Gospels and shimmering Byzantine texts to the playful marginalia of Gothic Books of Hours. Each plate reveals the meticulous craftsmanship of scribes and artists, capturing biblical narratives, royal patronage, and everyday medieval life in radiant pigments and gold leaf. A treasure for art historians and bibliophiles alike, this book celebrates the page as both sacred object and storytelling canvas.
