Designed for personal prayer, a book of hours contained a simplified version of the Divine Office which monks, nuns, and canons in religious institutions recited daily. From the thirteenth century, increasing piety among lay people led to an emphasis on personal devotion, and books of hours were produced to direct their prayers. Books of hours were beautifully embellished and would have been kept at home with other treasured possessions. As it was often the only book in a household, the book of hours played an important role in literacy - to teach children their letters and how to pray.
This book showcases some of the exquisite illustrations in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry which is regarded as the pinnacle of medieval manuscript illumination and is one of the most beautiful and valuable books in the world, as well as pages from a number of other key manuscripts of the period. With an extended introduction by Annetta Berry.
