The Glory of Byzantium and Early Christendom

New York: Phaidon Press, 2013. First edition. Hardcover. new. Large Quarto. 294 (2)pp. Original gilt paper covered boards with lettering on cover and spine. Gilt edges. Blue endpapers. Color frontispiece. "More than any other empire in history, Byzantium is best understood through its art. The empire spanned the fourth to the fifteenth centuries: a bridge across the Middle Ages from the Roman Empire of Late Antiquity to the Renaissance. The art changed and developed significantly over that period and provides extraordinary insights into the society, structures (truncated) and beliefs of its people. Byzantine art was a mutual experience; people viewed, touched and kissed icons, and in return the images spoke to them and acted on their behalf. An understanding of the Byzantine art/viewer relationship is crucial when exploring this period." (introduction). Profusely illustrated with remarkable color photographs thoughout. Includes chronology of the Byzantine Empire, glossary, and index. (Inventory #: 38051)