Joan Evans (1) (1893–1977)

The nobility of man's soul is manifested in his works of art. Pattern is a comprehensive two-volume set describing seven magnificent centuries of the evolution of the arts in Europe. The first volume of this two-volume set traces development of European ornamental art from the beginning of the Gothic period in France to the end of the Middle Ages. Proceeding from the familiar Gothic ogive and tracery, the author explains and illustrates in fascinating detail the Pastoral vision of nature show more used in art of every sort, as well as the rise of Decorative Heraldry, and the effects of transient ideologies and exotic Eastern influence on European styles. The decorative arts of the period, including architectural details, building facades, tapestries and finely-wrought reliquaries are portrayed in 252 exquisite plates. show less

Though the articles in this book are fascinating and cover many aspects of medieval culture, its primary virtue is in the pictures. With 303 illustrations (93 in quality color) we are presented with the middle ages as seen by period people. The book is arranged topically rather than chronologically, but a chronological chart covering 1000-1500 aids in putting things in that context.

Includes transcriptions of Latin lapidaries: (A) 'Hic coninentur epistolae duae quas Euax' (Bodl. Hatton 76 fol. 131); (B) Scripta sunt hec de lapidibus testimonio multorum auctorum ... (BL Sloane 1784 fol. 1); (C) 'Orites alius niger (BL Digby 13 fol. 17); (D) Thomas of Cantimpr´, 'Incipit liber de lapidibus preciosis' (Bodl. Rawl. D.358 pag. 81; (E) 'In nomine Domini nostri Iesu Christi, Hic est liber preciosus magnus ...' (Bodl. Digby 79 fols. 178v-179v with BL Sloane 1784 fols. 5-7; (F) show more 'De figura ...' (BL Sloane 1784 fol. 8); (Bodl. e Museo 52 fols. 44-7.Ex-lib. MED (reference collection 'LAP') show less

148 pp (54-70 relate to th Cistercian Order) and 822 illustrations.