Western and Byzantine monasticism have made significant creative contribution to Europe's art and culture; the meditative tranquillity of ancient monasteries continues to move visitors today. Trace the history of monasticism from its origins in late Antiquity to its peak in the High Middle Ages through to the present. Learn all about the religious orders and their special distinctions, famous abbots and abbesses, learned monks and nuns, the architecture of the monasteries as well as the aesthetics and craftsmanship of their interiors, daily monastic life, medieval illuminated manuscripts, monastery gardens, and much more. AUTHOR: Kristina Kruger has a doctorate in the History of Art, focusing on the Middle Ages. She has worked in the field of historic monument preservation, and has held research fellowships and teaching positions at a number of different universities. She is currently working on the Dehio Handbook for Westphalia. Her research is primarily concerned with the liturgical use of medieval sacral architecture, with late medieval private chapels, and with the artistic tradition in medieval Spain. SELLING POINTS: ? The history of monasticism from its origins in late antiquity through its apex in the High Middle Ages and into the present. Presentation of various religious orders and what makes them unique, as well as short biographies of famous abbots, abbesses and monastic scholars. ? Architecture of monastic complexes and the art and crafts within them. ? Special chapters devoted to everyday life in a cloister, medieval book illumination, monastic gardens, and other comprehensive topics. ? Richly illustrated with photographs that bring the architecture, sculpture and paintings to life, as well as color graphics, maps and floor plans. 700 colour illustrations
