THE BOOKS OF THE COLLECTOR

The chapter intricately delves into the art and significance of collecting illuminated manuscripts, beginning with an historical overview that emphasizes the allure these items have for collectors, while excluding non-desirable relics such as the clay books of the Chaldeans. It conveys the evolution of manuscript art from ancient times through the Middle Ages, highlighting the destruction of iconographic manuscripts and the revival of the art in Western Europe under Charlemagne. The importance of English manuscripts, particularly those housed in the library of Corpus Christi at Cambridge, is noted, alongside the rarity and expense of acquiring these treasures.

The text advances the notion that while manuscripts pose a challenge due to their uniqueness and the difficulty of determining their completeness, they offer unparalleled value and literary and artistic joy to collectors. The narrative underscores the escalating value of manuscripts through examples, portraying this form of collection as both exceptionally rewarding and demanding profound dedication and study to understand.

Significant advice is provided for collectors, including the necessity of acquiring a foundational understanding of medieval writing styles, the art of collation, and the specific characteristics of various service-books selected for illumination. The discussion extends to the importance of making careful purchases, focusing on specific periods or schools of art, and maintaining detailed records to enhance the collector’s expertise and the collection’s value.

An intriguing aspect is the account of modern examples of illuminated manuscripts and their cultural significance, stretching into the era of Louis XIV, with specific emphasis on “La Guirlande de Julie” as an exemplary work of the period. The chapter concludes with a message on the paramount importance of authenticity over restoration, subtly critiquing the modern inclination to ‘perfect’ manuscripts, thereby diminishing their value and historical authenticity.

This exposition not only captures the technical and historical dimensions of manuscript collecting but also imbues it with a passion and reverence for the art form, encouraging aspiring collectors to pursue this avocation with both caution and fervor.