After the huge success of its Art Deco Exhibition this year, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London is putting on another major exhibtion—Gothic Art for England 1400-1547.

This magnificent new book, edited by Richard Marks and Paul Williamson, has been published to complement the exhibition and is also its definitive catalogue.

However, it is much more than a catalogue. Don't expect to see just brief dry entries of items in the exhibition. Instead, leading medieval scholars, including art historians, specialists in political, religious, social and economic history, archaeologists and musicologists have contributed major essays on diverse relevant subjects.

The impressive essays from experts form the first section of the book and range from An Age of Comsumption to Perpendicular Architecture, from Kingship and Queenship to Music Seen and Heard, from Medieval Religion to Politics, War and Public Life. These are just a few examples of the wide scope of subjects covered in the book.

The second section is devoted to the catalogue. Here each item is described in great detail giving far more information than an average catalogue. If you visit the exhibition you should look through this section first and afterwards, I am sure you will want to read the entries for the items that you found most impressive or interesting.

As well as the fascinating essays, the book is magnificently illustrated with pictures covering all aspects of Gothic art. See beautiful stained glass, royal miniatures, illuminated manuscripts, a bishop's crozier, perpendicular architecture, music manuscripts, arms and armour as well as much more.

Even if you can't visit the exhibition at the V&A, this book is still an essential for anybody interested in Gothic art, or who just loves beautiful and interesting historical objects. If you do visit the exhibition, I am certain you will want to buy the book.

Quick Facts
Title: Gothic Art for England 1400-1547

Editors: Richard Marks & Paul Williamson

Publisher: V&A Publications

ISBN: 1851774017

Binding: Hardback

Publication Date: October 2003

Number of Pages: 496

Price: £45

All information relates to the UK edition.

Also see:
The Exhibition: Gothic Art for England 1400-1547
More Reference Books

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Copyright © 2003 by Carol Fisher All Rights Reserved