Marvellous to Behold

Miracles in Medieval Manuscripts

?the book offers a generous visual feast for the general public.?

Speculum, Volume 85 ? 2010

What is a miracle? Why have people for millennia believed in the power of the divine to intervene in human affairs? How has the wonder-working God of Abraham shaped the traditions of Jews, Christians and Muslims? Marvellous to Behold is a lavishly illustrated picture book featuring images taken from illuminated manuscripts from these three major faiths, examined side-by-side. Readers are confronted by man-eating bears, hermits tormented by demons, and kings fluent in the tongues of birds and beasts. Deirdre Jackson offers an original and engaging look at medieval spirituality, whilst demonstrating that miracle tales are by no means the preserve of the pious.

Marvellous to Behold explores the depiction of miracles in illuminated manuscripts from Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, relating both renowned and lesser known tales of divine intervention in the lives of believers. The book juxtaposes pictures of identical stories drawn from these three faiths, illustrating the ?shared history? of three of the world?s major religions.

The publication includes nearly 120 colour illustrations supported by Deirdre Jackson?s scholarly commentary, unveiling little known aspects of medieval culture and beliefs. The medieval artists who illustrated manuscripts were inspired by everyday life, and their works have as much to tell us about the societies in which they lived as about the supernatural.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE - Natural Wonders
CHAPTER TWO - Healing Powers
CHAPTER THREE - Great Escapes
CHAPTER FOUR - God Provides
Notes
Further Reading
List of Illustrations
Acknowlegements
Index of Manuscripts
General Index