Christopher de Hamel's Books

Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts

Twelve Journeys into the Medieval World

By: Christopher de Hamel

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Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts

Twelve Journeys into the Medieval World

By: Christopher de Hamel

An extraordinary and beautifully illustrated exploration of the medieval world through twelve manuscripts, from one of the world's leading experts. Winner of The Wolfson History Prize and The Duff Cooper Prize. A San Francisco Chronicle Holiday Book Gift Guide Pick! Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts is a captivating examination of twelve illuminated manuscripts from the medieval period. Noted authority Christopher de Hamel invites the reader into intimate conversations with these texts to explore what they tell us about nearly a thousand years of medieval history - and about the modern world, too. In so doing, de Hamel introduces us to kings, queens, saints, scribes, artists, librarians, thieves, dealers, and collectors. He traces the elaborate journeys that these exceptionally precious artifacts have made through time and shows us how they have been copied, how they have been embroiled in politics, how they have been regarded as objects of supreme beauty and as symbols of national identity, and who has owned them or lusted after them (and how we can tell). From the earliest book in medieval England to the incomparable Book of Kells to the oldest manuscript of the Canterbury Tales, these encounters tell a narrative of intellectual culture and art over the course of a millennium. Two of the manuscripts visited are now in libraries of North America, the Morgan Library in New York and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Part travel book, part detective story, part conversation with the reader, Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts allows us to experience some of the greatest works of art in our culture to give us a different perspective on history and on how we come by knowledge.

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642

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Penguin

Published Date

ISBN 10

0143110802

ISBN 13

9780143110804

The Book in the Cathedral

The Last Relic of Thomas Becket

By: Christopher de Hamel

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The Book in the Cathedral

The Last Relic of Thomas Becket

By: Christopher de Hamel

From the bestselling author of Meetings With Remarkable Manuscripts, a captivating account of the last surviving relic of Thomas Becket The assassination of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170 is one of the most famous events in European history. It inspired the largest pilgrim site in medieval Europe and many works of literature from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to T. S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral and Anouilh's Becket. In a brilliant piece of historical detective work, Christopher de Hamel here identifies the only surviving relic from Becket's shrine: the Anglo-Saxon Psalter which he cherished throughout his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, and which he may even have been holding when he was murdered. Beautifully illustrated and published to coincide with the 850th anniversary of the death of Thomas Becket, this is an exciting rediscovery of one of the most evocative artefacts of medieval England.

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Penguin UK

Published Date

ISBN 10

0141994258

ISBN 13

9780141994253

Scribes and Illuminators

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Museum

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Scribes and Illuminators

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Museum

Looks at the work of medieval paper, parchment, and ink makers, scribes, illuminators, binders, and booksellers

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University of Toronto Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0802077072

ISBN 13

9780802077073

The Manuscripts Club

The People Behind a Thousand Years of Medieval Manuscripts

By: Christopher de Hamel

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The Manuscripts Club

The People Behind a Thousand Years of Medieval Manuscripts

By: Christopher de Hamel

* A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice * The acclaimed author of Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts introduces us to the extraordinary keepers and companions of medieval manuscripts over a thousand years of history The illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages are among the greatest works of European art and literature. We are dazzled by them and recognize their crucial role in the transmission of knowledge. However, we generally think much less about the countless men and women who made, collected and preserved them through the centuries, and to whom they owe their existence. This entrancing book describes some of the extraordinary people who have spent their lives among illuminated manuscripts over the last thousand years: a monk in Normandy, a prince of France, a Florentine bookseller, an English antiquary, a rabbi from central Europe, a French priest, a Keeper at the British Museum, a Greek forger, a German polymath, a British connoisseur and the woman who created the most spectacular library in America—all of them members of what Christopher de Hamel calls the Manuscripts Club. This exhilarating fraternity, and the fellow enthusiasts who come with it, throw new light on how manuscripts have survived and been used by very different kinds of people in many different circumstances. Christopher de Hamel’s unexpected connections and discoveries reveal a passion that crosses the boundaries of time. We understand the manuscripts themselves better by knowing who their keepers and companions have been. In 1850 (or thereabouts) John Ruskin bought his first manuscript “at a bookseller’s in a back alley.” This was his reaction: “The new worlds which every leaf of this book opened to me, and the joy I had in counting their letters and unravelling their arabesques as if they had all been of beaten gold—as many of them were—cannot be told.” The members of de Hamel’s club share many such wonders, which he brings to us with scholarship, style and a lifetime’s experience.

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Page Count

625

Publisher

Penguin

Published Date

ISBN 10

0525559418

ISBN 13

9780525559412

The British Library Guide to Manuscript Illumination

History and Techniques

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Library

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The British Library Guide to Manuscript Illumination

History and Techniques

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Library

An introduction to the history and techniques of manuscript illumination that offers a thorough and accessible historical overview of techniques and processes, illustrated with examples, diagrams, and photographs of craftspeople at work.

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University of Toronto Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0802081738

ISBN 13

9780802081735

A History of Illuminated Manuscript

By: Christopher De Hamel

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A History of Illuminated Manuscript

By: Christopher De Hamel

Medieval manuscripts are counted among the greatest glories of Western civilization. With their gold and painted decoration and their charming miniatures, they have always had immense appeal, and images from them can be seen everywhere - from greeting cards and wrapping paper to expensive facsimiles. This entertaining and authoritative book is the first to provide a general introduction to the whole subject of the making of books from the Dark Ages to the invention of printing and beyond. Christopher de Hamel vividly describes the widely different circumstances in which manuscripts were created, from the earliest monastic Gospel Books to university textbooks, secular romances, Books of Hours and classical texts for humanist bibliophiles. As the story unfolds the wonderful variety of manuscripts and their illumination is revealed, and many fundamental questions are answered - who wrote the books, what texts they contained, who read them, how they were made and what purposes they served. Illuminated manuscripts have alway been highly valued, and among them are some of the world's great masterpieces of art. With its lively narrative and many new and superb illustrations, this new edition of a much-praised book provides the perfect introduction to a large and fascinating subject.

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Page Count

272

Publisher

Phaidon Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0714834521

ISBN 13

9780714834528

The Manuscripts Club

The People Behind a Thousand Years of Medieval Manuscripts

By: Christopher de Hamel

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The Manuscripts Club

The People Behind a Thousand Years of Medieval Manuscripts

By: Christopher de Hamel

The acclaimed author of Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts introduces us to the extraordinary keepers and companions of medieval manuscripts over a thousand years of history The illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages are among the greatest works of European art and literature. We are dazzled by them and recognize their crucial role in the transmission of knowledge. However, we generally think much less about the countless men and women who made, collected and preserved them through the centuries, and to whom they owe their existence. This entrancing book describes some of the extraordinary people who have spent their lives among illuminated manuscripts over the last thousand years: a monk in Normandy, a prince of France, a Florentine bookseller, an English antiquary, a rabbi from central Europe, a French priest, a Keeper at the British Museum, a Greek forger, a German polymath, a British connoisseur and the woman who created the most spectacular library in America—all of them members of what Christopher de Hamel calls the Manuscripts Club. This exhilarating fraternity, and the fellow enthusiasts who come with it, throw new light on how manuscripts have survived and been used by very different kinds of people in many different circumstances. Christopher de Hamel’s unexpected connections and discoveries reveal a passion that crosses the boundaries of time. We understand the manuscripts themselves better by knowing who their keepers and companions have been. In 1850 (or thereabouts) John Ruskin bought his first manuscript “at a bookseller’s in a back alley.” This was his reaction: “The new worlds which every leaf of this book opened to me, and the joy I had in counting their letters and unravelling their arabesques as if they had all been of beaten gold—as many of them were—cannot be told.” The members of de Hamel’s club share many such wonders, which he brings to us with scholarship, style and a lifetime’s experience.

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589

Publisher

Penguin

Published Date

ISBN 10

0525559426

ISBN 13

9780525559429

The Book in the Cathedral

The Last Relic of Thomas Becket

By: Christopher de Hamel

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The Book in the Cathedral

The Last Relic of Thomas Becket

By: Christopher de Hamel

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Penguin UK

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ISBN 10

0141994258

ISBN 13

9780141994253

The British Library Guide to Manuscript Illumination

History and Techniques

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Library

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The British Library Guide to Manuscript Illumination

History and Techniques

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Library

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University of Toronto Press

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ISBN 10

0802081738

ISBN 13

9780802081735

Scribes and Illuminators

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Museum

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Scribes and Illuminators

By: Christopher De Hamel,British Museum

Looks at the work of medieval paper, parchment, and ink makers, scribes, illuminators, binders, and booksellers

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University of Toronto Press

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0802077072

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9780802077073

Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts

Twelve Journeys into the Medieval World

By: Christopher de Hamel

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Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts

Twelve Journeys into the Medieval World

By: Christopher de Hamel

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642

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Penguin

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ISBN 10

0143110802

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9780143110804

Moon Cuba

By: Christopher P. Baker

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Moon Cuba

By: Christopher P. Baker

Moon Travel Guides: Your World, Your Way Enchanting music, incredible cuisine, classic cars, and stunning natural beauty: Cuba may be just an island, but it has a big impact on everyone who visits. Dive right in with Moon Cuba. Easy-to-use itineraries, with week-long trip suggestions tailored for adventurers, party animals, nature-lovers, beach bums, history buffs, and more Activities and unique ideas for every traveler: Hike the revolutionary trails of the Sierra Maestra trod by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, or relax on sparkling beaches. Savor delectable criollo cuisine, indulge in the world's finest cigars, or sip mojitos and cuba libres made from the best Cuban rum. Explore colonial cities with cobbled plazas and cathedrals, or jade mountains full of dramatic rock formations. Discover the ins and outs of Cuba's nightlife, from salsa dancing to LGBT hotspots. Recommendations on outdoor recreation, including birding, horseback riding, fishing, cycling, and hiking, as well as the best beaches for diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing Honest advice from award-winning travel writer Christopher P. Baker on the country he has studied for decades Full-color photos and detailed maps and directions for exploring on your own Background information on the landscape, history, government, and culture, including a Spanish phrasebook A comprehensive guide to travel laws, visas and officialdom, and health and safety tips Essential insight for travelers on transportation and accommodations, packaged in a book light enough to fit in your carry-on With Moon Cuba's practical tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Island-hopping around the Caribbean? Try Moon Aruba or Moon Jamaica.

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1109

Publisher

Moon Travel

Published Date

ISBN 10

1612389112

ISBN 13

9781612389110

Cuba

By: Christopher Baker

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Cuba

By: Christopher Baker

The National Geographic Traveler guidebooks are in tune with the growing trend toward experiential travel. Each book provides inspiring photography, insider tips, and expert advice for a more authentic, enriching experience of the destination. These books serve a readership of active, discerning travelers, and supply information, historical context, and cultural interpretation not available online. Visitors to Cuba discover a sensual, sometimes surreal island country that embodies everything that is good about the Caribbean and Latin America. The guide's maps and useful information allows the traveler to experience many of the colonial legacies that evoke the 1950s such as Cuban baseball and rum and cigar making. Travel advice and information has been updated in this edition, written by Christopher P. Baker, an expert on Central and South America. It covers all of the main cities and regions of Cuba and helps the visitor discover this Caribbean island's best-kept secrets. It explores the lively capital city, Havana, in all of its color and charm as well as the fascination of Trinidad, Remedios, and other colonial cities. Visitors will discover that even the rural landscapes have a timeless beauty and that the beaches and coral reefs are simply breathtaking.

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Page Count

360

Publisher

Edizioni WhiteStar

Published Date

ISBN 10

8854419478

ISBN 13

9788854419476

Moon Havana

By: Christopher P. Baker

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Moon Havana

By: Christopher P. Baker

Moon Travel Guides: Your World, Your Way Enchanting music, incredible cuisine, and stunning colonial architecture: Havana's beauty and charm captivate everyone who visits. Dive in with Moon Havana. Easy-to-use itineraries, from a revolutionary history tour to a week covering cars, cigars, and cabarets, tailored for adventurers, party animals, artists, beach bums, history buffs, and more Activities and unique ideas for every traveler: Stroll through Habana Vieja and admire the old-world architecture and plazas lit by gas lanterns. Savor delectable criollo cuisine, indulge in the world's finest cigars, or sip mojitos and cuba libres made from the best Cuban rum. Visit the Museo de la Revolución for a taste of history, or discover the ins and outs of Cuba's nightlife, from salsa dancing to LGBT hotspots. And, don't miss Havana's incredible performance scene: Pick from Rat-Pack-style lounges, Afro-Cuban beats, classical music, Cuban ballet and more Honest advice from award-winning travel writer Christopher P. Baker on the country he has studied for decades Full-color photos and detailed maps and directions for exploring on your own Background information on the landscape, history, government, and culture, including a Spanish phrasebook A comprehensive guide to travel laws, visas and officialdom, and health and safety tips Essential insight for travelers on transportation and accommodations, packaged in a book light enough to fit in your carry-on With Moon Havana's practical tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Island-hopping around the Caribbean? Try Moon Aruba or Moon Jamaica.

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Page Count

316

Publisher

Moon Travel

Published Date

ISBN 10

1631217305

ISBN 13

9781631217302

Biblical Poetics Before Humanism and Reformation

By: Christopher Ocker

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Biblical Poetics Before Humanism and Reformation

By: Christopher Ocker

A comparative study of the interpretation of the Bible in the Middle Ages.

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296

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0521810469

ISBN 13

9780521810463

Cuba

By: Christopher P. Baker

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Cuba

By: Christopher P. Baker

In this title, colour photography and specially commissioned cutaway illustrations of important buildings combine with in-depth descriptions of major cultural, architectural and historical sites. A directory includes practical information such as telephone numbers and opening times.

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274

Publisher

National Geographic Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1426201427

ISBN 13

9781426201424

Virgil in Medieval England

Figuring The Aeneid from the Twelfth Century to Chaucer

By: Christopher Baswell

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Virgil in Medieval England

Figuring The Aeneid from the Twelfth Century to Chaucer

By: Christopher Baswell

Examines the impact of an ancient and prestigious text on medieval culture.

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464

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

052102708X

ISBN 13

9780521027083

Top 10 Cuba

By: Christopher Baker

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Top 10 Cuba

By: Christopher Baker

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Cuba will lead you straight to the very best on offer. Whether you're looking for the things not to miss at the Top 10 sights, or want to find the best nightspots; this guide is the perfect companion. Rely on dozens of Top 10 lists - from the Top 10 museums to the Top 10 events and festivals - there's even a list of the Top 10 things to avoid. The guide is divided by area with restaurant reviews for each, as well as recommendations for hotels, bars and places to shop. You'll find the insider knowledge every visitor needs and explore every corner effortlessly with DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Cuba. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Cuba- showing you what others only tell you. Now available in ePub format.

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296

Publisher

Penguin

Published Date

ISBN 10

0756695600

ISBN 13

9780756695606

Catholics Writing the Nation in Early Modern Britain and Ireland

By: Christopher Highley

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Catholics Writing the Nation in Early Modern Britain and Ireland

By: Christopher Highley

After the accession of the Protestant Elizabeth, the Catholic imagining of England was mainly the project of the exiles who had left their homeland in search of religious toleration and foreign assistance."--BOOK JACKET.

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244

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0199533407

ISBN 13

9780199533404

Death and Burial in Medieval England 1066-1550

By: Christopher Daniell

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Death and Burial in Medieval England 1066-1550

By: Christopher Daniell

Bringing together knowledge accumulated from historical, archaeological and literary sources, Daniell paints a vivid picture of the entire phenomenon of medieval death and burial. A big contribution to medieval and early modern studies.

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258

Publisher

Routledge

Published Date

ISBN 10

1134666373

ISBN 13

9781134666379

Medieval Italy

An Encyclopedia

By: Christopher Kleinhenz

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Medieval Italy

An Encyclopedia

By: Christopher Kleinhenz

This Encyclopedia gathers together the most recent scholarship on Medieval Italy, while offering a sweeping view of all aspects of life in Italy during the Middle Ages. This two volume, illustrated, A-Z reference is a cross-disciplinary resource for information on literature, history, the arts, science, philosophy, and religion in Italy between A.D. 450 and 1375. For more information including the introduction, a full list of entries and contributors, a generous selection of sample pages, and more, visit the Medieval Italy: An Encyclopedia website.

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Page Count

1321

Publisher

Routledge

Published Date

ISBN 10

1135948801

ISBN 13

9781135948801

National Geographic Traveler: Cuba, 5th Edition

By: Christopher Baker

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National Geographic Traveler: Cuba, 5th Edition

By: Christopher Baker

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276

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National Geographic

Published Date

ISBN 10

8854415103

ISBN 13

9788854415102

The De Re Militari of Vegetius

The Reception, Transmission and Legacy of a Roman Text in the Middle Ages

By: Christopher Allmand

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The De Re Militari of Vegetius

The Reception, Transmission and Legacy of a Roman Text in the Middle Ages

By: Christopher Allmand

Vegetius' late Roman text became a well-known and highly respected 'classic' in the Middle Ages, transformed by its readers into the authority on the waging of war. Christopher Allmand analyses the medieval afterlife of the De Re Militari, tracing the growing interest in the text from the Carolingian world to the late Middle Ages, suggesting how the written word may have influenced the development of military practice in that period. While emphasising that success depended on a commander's ability to outwit the enemy with a carefully selected, well-trained and disciplined army, the De Re Militari inspired other unexpected developments, such as that of the 'national' army, and helped create a context in which the role of the soldier assumed greater social and political importance. Allmand explores the significance of the text and the changes it brought for those who accepted the implications of its central messages.

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