Illuminations Treasures of the Middle Ages BBC YouTube

Summary

This video explores the evolution of books, from illuminated manuscripts in medieval Britain to the printing press revolution. It discusses the appeal of storytelling in the Middle Ages, the rise of works like the *Golden Legend*, and the impact of the printing press on traditional hand-crafted books. The dissolution of monasteries and the preservation of manuscripts in places like Cambridge University are highlighted. The video concludes with a reflection on the future of books in the digital age, contrasting today's fleeting digital culture with the solemnity of historical reading and writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The medieval period viewed books as sacred, often connecting them with divine authority, which is why they were treasured objects.
• 😀 Romance, during the Middle Ages, wasn’t just about love stories, but about adventurous tales filled with violence and lurid events.
• 😀 The 'Golden Legend' was one of the first bestsellers, illustrating the importance of religious and adventurous narratives in medieval culture.
• 😀 Books during the medieval period were often lavishly illuminated, with hand-painted decorations to make them visually striking.
• 😀 The printing press, developed by Gutenberg, revolutionized the book industry and led to the decline of handcrafted illuminated manuscripts.
• 😀 Early printed books often mimicked the appearance of manuscripts in order to appeal to bibliophiles who were reluctant to accept printed texts.
• 😀 The printing revolution also brought casualties, with the beautiful art of manuscript illumination beginning to die out in the 16th century.
• 😀 Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries led to the destruction of many religious texts and manuscripts, though some were saved and preserved.
• 😀 Cambridge became a key repository for manuscripts from dissolved monasteries, and these texts are considered valuable cultural treasures.
• 😀 The thrill of holding an ancient manuscript is compared to meeting a famous person, offering a tangible connection to the past.
• 😀 Despite the rise of digital technology, books, especially ancient ones, are seen as irreplaceable due to their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

Q & A

What does 'romance' refer to in the context of the Middle Ages?

In the Middle Ages, 'romance' did not simply mean a love story. It referred to an adventure, often filled with lurid and violent events, in contrast to the modern understanding of romance as a romantic love story.

What is 'The Golden Legend,' and why is it significant?

'The Golden Legend' is a famous collection of hagiographies, or saint stories, which became one of the first bestsellers. It holds historical significance as an early example of widely distributed religious literature.

What role did illustration play in medieval books?

Illustrations in medieval books, such as those in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' added visual embellishments to the text. These illustrations often depicted key scenes or the authors themselves, enhancing the reader's experience and connection to the story.

How did the invention of the printing press change the production of books?

The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg, and later by William Caxton in England, revolutionized book production by enabling mass printing. This technological advancement made books more accessible, though it also threatened the future of handcrafted illuminated manuscripts.

Why did early printed books mimic illuminated manuscripts?

Early printed books were designed to mimic the opulence and craftsmanship of illuminated manuscripts to appeal to wealthy patrons and bibliophiles. This was essential for the success of early printing presses, which relied on high-level patronage for support.

What happened to illuminated manuscripts in the 16th century?

The 16th century saw the decline of illuminated manuscripts due to the rise of printing technology, which rendered the handcrafted book obsolete. Despite this, some illuminated manuscripts were preserved, especially in libraries like those at Cambridge.

How did Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries impact manuscripts?

Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century led to the destruction of many precious manuscripts. However, some were saved from the flames and eventually ended up in libraries such as those at Cambridge, where they were preserved.

What is the significance of Cambridge in the preservation of medieval manuscripts?

Cambridge became a key beneficiary of the dissolution of the monasteries, with its colleges receiving many manuscripts from destroyed libraries. These manuscripts, often colorful and complete, are now considered treasures of English heritage.

What emotional reaction do scholars experience when handling ancient manuscripts?

Scholars experience a profound emotional thrill when handling ancient manuscripts, as these objects represent physical connections to history. Holding a manuscript that has survived for hundreds or even a thousand years evokes a sense of awe and reverence.

What concern is raised about the future of books in the digital age?

The video raises concerns that, with the rise of digital technology, books may become obsolete, with people primarily reading from screens. However, there is a recognition that the beauty and craftsmanship of illuminated manuscripts will never be replicated in digital books.