A Book of Seasons

New York: Skira. Soft cover. 8vo (imperial). Very Good. Item #008756

N.d., [ca. 1967?] Orig. blue card wraps, gilt titling, colour pictorial onlay to front. [4], 6 ff. colour plates. Sunning to extremities, a few rubbed spots to corners. Ink ownership inscription to title page. The art of the Middle Ages had been almost exclusively a religious art, unconcerned with the things of the world. These seven miniatures (including front cover art) of the fifteenth century show the change of outlook that was then taking place, the broadening of man's horizon, the awakening of interest in nature and the activities of daily life. Man was growing conscious of his place in this world, rather than the next, and was beginning to look around him with eager curiosity. Plates come from three manuscripts: Le Livre Des Echecz Amoureux et Des Echecz d'Amour ("The Book of Love's Checks and the Mishaps of Love"), Ms.Fr. 143 at Le Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris; Le Livre des Prouffitz Champetres ("The Book of Husbandry"), Ms. Fr. 5064, Bibliotheqe D'Arsenal, Paris; and The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine, Ms. Fr. 244, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. The illuminations feature scenes of agriculture and country life. 0.

Price: $40.00