Une histoire des manuscrits enluminés
It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.
Christopher De Hamel
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7
Catalog books
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5
Works
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1992 to 2001
Strongest span
Who This Author Is
Christopher De Hamel writes with a scholar’s precision about medieval manuscripts, bringing their material world into clear view. In Une histoire des manuscrits enluminés he traces how books were made, used and conserved, guiding readers through scriptoria, scribes’ practices and the survival of illuminated pages.
De Hamel balances close description with accessible narration, focusing on objects rather than biography. His account explains decoration, binding and transmission, showing how individual manuscripts carry artistic, liturgical and historical meanings across centuries while remaining tangible artefacts in modern collections.
Best Place To Start
Author At A Glance
Best known for: History of illuminated manuscripts • Scholarly yet accessible treatment of medieval books • Clear explanations of palaeography and codicology
Genres and themes: Medieval studies • Book history • Art history • Manuscripts
Who this author is best for: Good for readers who enjoy concise, well-researched guides to medieval art and book culture.
Start with the single accessible survey listed here to get a clear overview of illuminated manuscripts before diving into specialized studies.
Top Books To Start With
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Une histoire des manuscrits enluminés
Book Club Associates and Phaidon Press • 1996 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1996 • 256 pages.
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A History of Illuminated Manuscript
Phaidon Inc Ltd • 1997 • standard commitment
UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1997 • 272 pages.
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A history of illuminated manuscripts
Phaidon Inc Ltd • 1994 • standard commitment
UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1994 • 272 pages.
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Sydney Carlyle Cockerell (Nikirk lectures)
Grolier Club • 2001 • quick commitment
It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.
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The British Library Guide to Manuscript Illumination
British Library • 2001 • quick commitment
UPB note: year signal: 2001 • 88 pages.
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The British Library Guide to Manuscript Illumination: History & Techniques
Univ of Toronto Pr • 2001 • quick commitment
readers who want a faster first book
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Scribes and Illuminators (Medieval Craftsmen)
Univ of Toronto Pr • 1992 • quick commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1992 • 72 pages.
How The Picks Compare
- Une histoire des manuscrits enluminés is the easier short commitment, while A History of Illuminated Manuscript asks for more reading time up front.
- Une histoire des manuscrits enluminés gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while A History of Illuminated Manuscript leans later in the catalog.
- A history of illuminated manuscripts is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Une histoire des manuscrits enluminés.