Books of Hours

Originally an addition to the end of the Psalter or Book of Psalms, the first separate Book of Hours known in England was attributed to the artist William de Brailes between 1230 and 1260. By the end of the 13th century the Book of Hours had become a favourite prayerbook of ordinary people throughout Western Europe and in the years that followed its popularity spread. Often small and highly decorated, these books provide an insight into the daily life of the Middle Ages. This book brings together examples, many of them reproduced in their original size. The pages are grouped in their standard sections and positioned in the order in which they would have appeared in a traditional Book of Hours. Short texts provide an explanation of the scenes depicted and the significance of the various prayers and devotions.