The Story of the Wise Men: According to the Gospel of Saint Matthew by Re´gine Pernoud & Canon Grivot hits the £1 shelf in my shop.
Methuen & Co., 1964, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Plates; Illustrated endpapers and blanks;
From the cover: A few years ago a brilliant piece of combined Anglo-French research rescued a twelfth-century sculptor from virtual oblivion. His name was Gislebertus and he was the sculptor of Autun cathedral in Burgundy. He has emerged from centuries of neglect as one of the greatest artists of medieval Europe.
Four capitals which Gislebertus carved at Autun relate scenes from the infancy of Christ the arrival of the three Wise Men from the east, their adoration of the Child, the dream in which they were warned to go home by another way, and the sequel of their visit, the Flight into Egypt. Gislebertuss chapter and verse for these capitals was Matthew, ii, 1-23; and in the first part of this book the story St Matthew has to tell is set out in large print facing Gislebertuss carvings, reproduced in deep-etched gravure on 8 full pages and 2 double spreads.
Gislebertus belonged to an age of faith, and probably no artist has equalled the tenderness and wonder with which he invested these images of the Holy Family and their royal visitors.
For those who want to know more about the artist and his times, the second part of the book contains an account by Regine Pernoud, the well-known French medievalist (author of The Retrial of Joan of Arc) and Denis Grivot, canon of Autun cathedral and himself a pioneer in the rediscovery of Gislebertus. Six more pages of photographs and three double spreads show Gislebertus at work on other themes, including his masterpiece, the Last Judgement tympanum which he signed. A select glossary at the end is an additional aid to understanding.
This is a book for all ages: a picture book in the best sense of the word; a timeless story incomparably illustrated; a fascinating glimpse of our medieval heritage; and an introduction to a long-forgotten genius.
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Unlaminated dust wrapper a little edgeworn and faded with slightly heavier wear to the spine ends and corners. Text complete, clean and tight.
Red boards with Gilt titling to the Spine.
11″ x 8½”.
This book will be listed, sooner or later, for £6.50 on my delightful website… (added to my Religion category.) but get 50% off buying from my blog… below…
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