Saturday, December 16, 2017

Merry Christmas To Me

When you're shopping for Christmas gifts do you ever pick up a little something for you? I do. Somewhere while trolling the Interwebs, I came across this book, Medieval Cats by Kathleen Walker-Meikle. What could be better for a person who loves cats and Medieval manuscripts? So Merry Christmas to me.

 The book, published by the British Library in 2011, must have been a limited edition as I had to buy a used copy from Amazon. Not to worry, the copy is in excellent condition.The pages are printed on glossy stock, and all of the manuscripts and illuminations are reproduced in color.

In honor of Ink, "A large black cat and a mouse, with a mouse and a weasel below, accompany a bestiary text on each animal. England. mid-to late 13th centrury. (BL, Harley 3244, F. 49V)"






Don't want to spring for a book, but still want to see Medieval manuscripts? The British Library has been digitizing manuscripts from their collection. Pop on over and you can peruse to your heart's content. The site is a happy, little time waster for serious procrastination or study.

16 comments:

  1. I've always been partial to that font. You found the purrfect gift for yourself and one that honors Ink, too. Happy Saturday, dear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This hand or script is Blackletter. Sometimes difficult to read, but developed to get more words on a page. And I agree a purrfect gift for me and I'm happy to find images of black kitties in the book

      Delete
  2. Doesn't EVERYONE buy something for themselves when Christmas shopping? I thought it was a rule!
    Good for you, enjoy! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, good! I'm happy to know I'm following the rules (for a change) :-D

      Delete
  3. I'm glad you found such a great book to buy yourself, enjoy! I often look through the British Library, there is so much to see. I don't usually buy things for myself, but today I bought a present for a friend and have decided to keep it - start all over again! Hugs, Valerie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you for treating yourself to a present. (-:

      Delete
  4. Oh, CJ, how perfect! I'm so glad you found it.
    Have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too. Besides being about cats, it's also a useful resource for traditional illuminated decorations.

      Delete
  5. Nice find. It sounds like the perfect gift to yourself this holiday season. :) i love looking through the British Library. Many years ago I was lucky enough to visit and went through their museum of famous things. It was amazing. The hand written Jane Eyre and Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The Magna Carta. Along with many other things that I won't bore you with. Thanks for the memory and thanks for sharing your cool present too. :) Happy weekend. Hugs-Erika

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That must have been a wonderful visit. Looking at original manuscripts is never boring. I got to the Magna Carta when it came to the MFA on it's 800th anniversary in 2015. I was surprised how small the document was given the magnitude of its historical significance.

      Delete
  6. I must admit that I DO end up finding something for myself as well, after all, why not take advantage of the holiday sales. eh?

    I love that cat book you found, you definitely have honored your sweet Ink!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's a lovely discovery and sounds like the perfect present! The inscriptions and drawings are wonderful - Merry Christmas to you ...lol! J 😊

    ReplyDelete
  8. CJ, this book is magnificent! Wow!!! How beautiful! I love it!

    ReplyDelete