{"product_id":"2026200007015-secondhand-the-decorated-letter","title":"The Decorated Letter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition remarks:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good. Jacket: No dust jacket - card cover in good condition with minor wear. Page Condition: Good. Markings: No markings visible. Binding: Intact. No stickers or labels visible. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA landmark study in the history of medieval manuscript art, The Decorated Letter presents a comprehensive examination of the ornamental initial letters that illuminate some of the most celebrated manuscripts of the Western tradition. J.J.G. Alexander, one of the foremost authorities on medieval illuminated manuscripts, chronicles the evolution of decorated letterforms from Late Antiquity through the Gothic period, tracing the stylistic and iconographic transformations across centuries and geographic regions. The work details the intricate interplay between text and image, arguing that these embellished initials were not mere decoration but integral vehicles of meaning, theological commentary, and artistic ambition. Drawing on examples from major European scriptoria, Alexander illustrates how monastic and court artists pushed the boundaries of calligraphy and painting within the constraints of a single letter. Authoritative, richly illustrated, and meticulously researched, this volume remains an essential reference for scholars of medieval art, book history, and illuminated manuscripts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secondhand Stock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48887974002907,"sku":"2026200007015-SECONDHAND","price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/7646\/9701\/files\/650980be-4511-498c-ba7d-42c3ffe4da60.png?v=1781751490","url":"https:\/\/bookgrocer.com\/products\/2026200007015-secondhand-the-decorated-letter","provider":"Book Grocer","version":"1.0","type":"link"}