The Holkham Bible: A Facsimile

19 November 2007

Michelle P Brown

Publication date: November 2007

'If I make it true and God grants me life Never will you see another such book'

On 21 November 2007, the British Library publishes a facsimile of one of its greatest treasures, the much loved 14th century Holkham Bible picture book. This beautifully illustrated manuscript has been faithfully recreated in full colour and is accompanied by a scholarly commentary by Michelle Brown, leading expert on illuminated manuscripts.

The Holkham Bible Picture Book is one of the British Library's most popular treasures. Magnificently drawn scenes, dramatic composition, delicate colouring and a humorous personal touch combine to make the Holkham Bible picture book a unique vision of the Bible and of the medieval times in which it was produced. The book features many captivating and colourful illustrations of 14 th century England, depicting familiar London landmarks of the Middle Ages and offering a fascinating insight into everyday medieval life.

The distinctive manuscript has been painstakingly photographed and reproduced on special paper designed to replicate the look and feel of the original vellum. The facsimile includes a full transcript and translation of the text by medieval manuscripts expert Michelle Brown's, and a commentary based on her unrivalled knowledge of the period and the inspired insights she has gained by examining clues in the images themselves.

Michelle Brown comments:

"The Holkham Bible picture book is surely the most heartfelt of medieval manuscripts, and one of the most unusual. It is a unique example of medieval culture. It is a book you never tire of, for matter how many times you look through it, there is more to admire and to intrigue. Every time I open the book and see the glowing colours and lively scenes - the sheer joie de vivre - I'm enchanted all over again."

Michelle Brown can be seen discussing the Holkham Bible online at http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/sacred/videoholkham.html

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

Notes for Editors

The Holkham Bible: A Facsimile with commentary by Michelle P Brown, is published in hardback by the British Library on 21 November 2007, price £50.00 (180 pages, 292 x 216mm, 94 pages of text plus 84 pages colour facsimile, ISBN 978 0 7123 0990 5). Available from the British Library Shop (tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7735 / e-mail: bl-bookshop@bl.uk) and online at www.bl.uk/shop as well as other bookshops throughout the UK.

Michelle P Brown is Professor of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the University of London, and was Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library for 18 years. She has published extensively on medieval history and manuscripts and her most recent publications include Manuscripts from the Anglo Saxon Age (British Library 2007) and The World of the Luttrell Psalter (British Library 2006).