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.

Author: Liz James
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 10/05/2017
Pages: 650
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 4.51lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.80w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781107011984

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2018

About the Author
James, Liz: - Liz James is a Byzantine art historian with an interest in mosaics. Her ambition is to see at first-hand all the mosaics discussed in this book, and she is approximately three-quarters of the way there. She is Professor of Art History at the University of Sussex, where she teaches courses on Byzantine art.