Alexander, Jonathan James Graham — The Decorated Letter

George Braziller, New York, 1978. First Edition, Hardcover (Original Cloth). Near Fine Condition/Near Fine. 9780807608944 Titles, introduction, notes, bibliography & illustration lists to front. In Illuminated Manuscripts of every period, on page after page of flowing text, a special place of honor was reserved for the Decorated Letter or Initial. In this space the artist would insert a veritable jewel, and the text page would spring to life with vibrant reds, radiant blues, delicate shades of green and yellow, and almost always, precious metals such as gold. There were roselike motifs inspired by Byzantine floral ornamentation, while animals of every sort played an important part in the adornment of Romanesque initials. The Decorated Letter is filled with pages of the most beautiful, often humorous, and always imaginative initials, drawn from the widest range of manuscripts. Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. 119 pages. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. Dust Jacket is in as new condition, apart from normal shop shelf wear - contains no tears or chips or other damage. Dust Jacket un-clipped. Gilt titles spine. red cloth; illustrated by 40 full-page colour plates with b/w. figures in the text. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Art & Design; Illuminated Books; Illuminated Manuscripts; Decorated Initials; Books on Books. ISBN: 0807608947. ISBN/EAN: 9780807608944. Inventory No: 4839.