The Macclesfield Psalter

About this book

The first reproduction of this exquisite illuminated manuscript that brings medieval ways beliefs and thought to life. Discoveries of real artistic treasures are exceptionally rare. The Macclesfield Psalter (c. 1335) a jewel of manuscript painting was virtually unknown before its sale by Sothebys in 2004. The manuscript offers a window into the medieval world an intimate view of the faith sentiments prejudices follies and aspirations of medieval people. Doctors minstrels mummers farmers dancers jesters and beggars mingle on the pages as they would have done on the streets of a busy town. And the marginal imagery tempts the viewer to leave the confines of the prayer book and enter a wonderland of literary conceits visions and fables with naked wild men a dog dressed as a bishop or a giant fish swimming across a page. The Macclesfield Psalter is a revealing product of artistic and patronage exchange in the Middle Ages. A complete reproduction of the manuscript at its original size is accompanied by an authoritative text that not only interprets the textual and artistic content but also beguiles the reader through its vivid descriptions and rich insights. 570 color