The World of the Luttrell Psalter

Michelle P. Brown

Leading historian Michelle P. Brown investigates the origins of 14th century manuscript, the Luttrell Psalter, in her captivating new book published by the British Library on 25 October 2006. Lavishly illustrated with 90 colour images, the publication ties in with an exhibition in the new Folio Society Gallery at the British Library, The Painted Page: Images of medieval life in the Luttrell Psalter, 25 October-7 January 2007.

The World of the Luttrell Psalter provides a fascinating insight into the production and history of the Luttrell Psalter, one of the British Library's greatest treasures. The manuscript was made in the first half of the 14th century for wealthy landowner Sir Geoffrey Luttrell. Richly illustrated, the Psalter is exceptional among manuscripts of this period for its abundance of detailed depictions of daily life. Michelle P. Brown's publication explores the medieval society and culture in which the Psalter was created, tracing its history, inspiration and creation, whilst highlighting its originality and innovation.

The Luttrell Psalter was made in the second quarter of the 14th century, widely regarded as one of the most catastrophic centuries ever, on the eve of the Black Death. Underlying social tensions had already begun to surface and in 1381 the Peasants' Revolt would mark the culmination of a century of social, political and economic unrest. Through careful analysis of the Psalter's pages, Michelle P. Brown reveals the hopes and fears, social ambitions and political allegiances, moral anxieties and all-pervasive spiritual aspirations of the Luttrells and their folk.

She also considers Sir Geoffrey Luttrell's likely motives for commissioning the Psalter and examines the planning and artistry that contributed to the production of the manuscript. Her book offers an insight into the Luttrell family history, provides interpretations of the manuscript's more fanciful illustrations, and unearths fascinating facts about the Psalter's bibliographical history, listing some of its owners and custodians over the centuries, up until its acquisition by the British Library in 1929.

Michelle P. Brown comments, "The Luttrell Psalter represents one of the most imaginative attempts in art to provide not only metaphorical and literal illustrations of the text, but to relate them to the trials and tribulations, boons and blessing of everyday life. However, its images seek not only to depict 14th century realities but also to explore eternal meanings. In order to discern these, the viewer is called upon to engage not only their heads, but their hearts and souls when entering the emotional and spiritually charged world of the Luttrell Psalter."

Michelle P. Brown has also provided a 64-page commentary for The Luttrell Psalter: A Facsimile, a complete full-size reproduction of the manuscript, which has taken over a year to produce. The volume is again published by the British Library on 25 October. The publications tie in with an exhibition, The Painted Page: Images of medieval life in the Luttrell Psalter, which opens The Folio Society Gallery at the British Library. The exhibition will be displayed from 25 October-7 January 2007. This brand new gallery space offers visitors the chance to take an interactive journey into the world of the Psalter.

For further information, contact Ruth Howlett at the British Library Press Office:+44 (0)20 7412 7112 or ruth.howlett@bl.uk

Notes for Editors

The World of the Luttrell Psalter by Michelle P. Brown, is published in paperback by the British Library, 25 October 2006, price £9.95 (ISBN 0-7123-4959-6).

The Luttrell Psalter: A Facsimile with a commentary by Michelle P. Brown, is published in hardback by the British Library, 25 October 2006, price £295.00 (688 pages, 369 x 245 mm, 624 illustrations, ISBN 0-7123-4934-0).

The books are available from the British Library Bookshop (tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7735, fax: +44 (0)20 7412 7624, email: bl-bookshop@bl.uk)

Michelle P. Brown is a leading expert on medieval manuscripts. She was formerly Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library, and remains with the Library part-time, promoting its collections through the Regional Libraries Programme. She is also Professor of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the University of London, Visiting Professor at Leeds University, and a Lay Canon of St Paul's Cathedral, London. Her publications include The Lindisfarne Gospels: Society, Spirituality and the Scribe (British Library, 2003).