A Medieval Christmas

The Christmas Story is here beautifully illustrated with miniatures selected from the large collection of Books of Hours to be found in The British Library.Some of the greatest European painters of the Middle Ages were employed in the decoration of these manuscripts: Gerard Horenbout, one of the illuminators of The Sforza Hours, illustrates a simple Nativity using rich reds, greens and blues; the Annunciation to the Shepherds, depicted by the Master of the Duke of Bedford, is marvelously detailed and surrounded by classic miniatures; the Master of the Dresden Hours, a prolific Flemish artist of the late 1400s, has strewn his Epiphany with flowers so realistic that it seems possible to pick them off the page. Intricate in scale and radiant with gold and colors, these manuscripts represent the popular ideal of the medieval illuminated book.The well-loved story is recounted in the words of William Tyndale. His masterly translation of the New Testament complements the magnificent illuminations, making this the perfect Christmas gift to be treasured by young and old.