Mosaics in the Medieval World
From Late Antiquity to the Fifteenth Century

In this book, Liz James offers a comprehensive history of wall mosaics produced in the European and Islamic middle ages. Taking into account a wide range of issues, including style and iconography, technique and material, and function and patronage, she examines mosaics within their historical context. She asks why the mosaic was such a popular medium and considers how mosaics work as historical 'documents' that tell us about attitudes and beliefs in the medieval world. The book is divided into two part. Part I explores the technical aspects of mosaics, including glass production, labour and materials, and costs. In Part II, James provides a chronological history of mosaics, charting the low and high points of mosaic art up until its abrupt end in the late middle ages. Written in a clear and engaging style, her book will serve as an essential resource for scholars and students of medieval mosaics.

Awards

• Winner, 2018 Choice Outstanding Academic Title

Reviews & endorsements

'This fabulous book is a great achievement. The 166 splendid color illustrations (many previously unpublished) alone would make the volume of great value, but James (Univ. of Sussex, UK) also provides a rich scholarly apparatus of footnotes and bibliography and a fine list of all extant mosaics, arranged by period and country. Written with panache, the book wears its erudition lightly and is accessible to a wide readership. Essential.' L. Nees, Choice

Customer reviews

Product details

• Date Published: November 2017
• format: Hardback
• isbn: 9781107011984
• length: 650 pages

• dimensions: 288 x 223 x 32 mm
• weight: 2.04kg
• contains: 167 b/w illus. 161 colour illus. 12 maps 1 table
• availability: In stock