Book of Beasts

Book of Beasts

The Liber Bestiarum, or the Book of Beasts, was mean to be used to study the natural world and God’s creations. It is important as an academic tool and as an art object. This book allows scholars, students, and collectors to learn and study the medieval recordings of animals and human life. Similarly, people can appreciate and enjoy the many illuminations of real and mythical animals. The luxuriousness of the Bestiary supports the idea that it was probably crafted for an aristocratic patron.

The facsimile continues to promote its original luxury as it is bound in full goatskin leather of the finest Nigerian grade. It is blocked in gold among the colors of red, green and blue with traditional raised bands on the spine. David Eccles designed the illustrated binding with gilding on all three edges.

Original: Unknown master scribe and artist

Facsimile: UNT Special Collections Library, Call Number: PA8275.B4 H36 2008
Original MS: Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Bodley 764

London: The Folio Society

Facsimile: 2008
Original MS: mid-13th century

Commentary: Christopher de Hamel, Translation: Richard Barber

Bodleian Library

Bestiarium: Oxford Ashmole 1511

282 pages, 30.5 x 19.7 cm, 137 folios, 135 miniatures

Facsimile: Latin
Commentary: English

Bestiary

Illuminated Manuscript

England, Gothic, mid-13th century

Prepared by Karla Bernal