"Illuminated manuscripts are perhaps the most beautiful treasures to survive from the middle ages. This authoritative volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the medieval world of books, their production and their consumption. The text divides this world into different groups of readers and writers: missionaries, emperors, monks, students, aristocrats, priests, collectors and the general public. De Hamel is both informative and immensely readable, and the sumptuous illustrations render this book too good to be missed."--From Amazon.com

From its earliest days under English rule, New York City had an unusually diverse ethnic makeup, with substantial numbers of Dutch, English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and Jewish immigrants, as well as a large African-American population. Joyce Goodfriend paints a vivid portrait of this society, exploring the meaning of ethnicity in early America and showing how colonial settlers of varying backgrounds worked out a basis for coexistence. She argues that, contrary to the prevalent notion of rapid Anglicization, ethnicity proved an enduring force in this small urban society well into the eighteenth century.

Over 100 illustrations. Illuminated manuscripts, particularly those produced in the convents, monasteries, and abbeys of medieval Europe, are among the most beautiful objects in the world. This book, with an authoritative text and over 100 breathtaking full-color illustrations, shows how the art developed, flourished, and gave expression to that great age of faith which was the Middle Ages. The art lover will find much to enjoy in these beautiful and inspiring illustrations. The craftsmanship, brilliant color, and minute attention to detail has never been equaled in Western art.