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Title
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In Time: Six Centuries of Books of Hours
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Description
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Often called the “medieval bestseller,” books of hours were the most common book in Europe during the later Middle Ages. Laypeople, especially women, used them to complete the prayer cycle of the Divine Office and incorporate monastic practices into their daily lives. Though people’s typical religious practices have changed substantially since the fourteenth century, as has the role of religion in contemporary society overall, books of hours remain a cultural touchstone and source of inspiration for scholars, artists, and others (both religious and not) across the world.
This composite image of six books of hours from Marriott Library Special Collections exemplifies my approach as a medievalist and rare books librarian to the study of continuity and change throughout the history of the book. I not only examine traditional print and manuscript bookmaking techniques but also investigate how modern book artists adapt and break those conventions while incorporating new technologies. Just as historical books of hours combined standardized forms with personalized devotions, artists’ books blend the old and the new to create intensely personal works of art, simultaneously innovative and familiar, that highlight the continued importance of books in an increasingly digital world.
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Date
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2026-01-20
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Creator
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Mccormack, Allie
