Books of Hours have survived in great numbers. They contained the most important texts for the private devotions of the laity and were often richly illuminated. The course will look at how Books of Hours developed, at their main textual contents and how they were decorated. Some outstanding manuscripts, such as the Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux, the Bedford Hours and the Très Riches Heures of duke John of Berry will be the focus of one session. Questions of localisation (liturgical Use), and of ownership will also be considered.

Introductory reading:
J. Backhouse, Illumination from Books of Hours (London: British Library, 2005);
R. S. Wieck, Time sanctified. The Book of Hours in medieval art and life (New York, 1988). Based on manuscripts in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.
R. S. Wieck, Painted prayers. The Book of Hours in medieval and renaissance art (New York, 1997). Based on manuscripts in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York.

Maximum: 12 students
AV: flip chart; carousel slide projector ; power point for a CD-Rom.

Please bring a pencil: pens are not allowed when valuable manuscript facsimiles are in use