Customer Reviews

Bestiary: Being an English Version of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, MS Bodley 764

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is something quintessentially appealing about the rare reproduction which manages to preserve so much of the spirit of the original text. The translation, which is quite clear, is embedded with the original illuminations found in the manuscript, in their original size and location relative to the page. The result is surprisingly refreshing; the decision to eschew modern layout conventions was a wise one. This is not a scholarly edition per se, and some may quibble with occasional word choice. But this medievalist, for one, has no problem with such decisions to leave out mention of the Physiologus; true translation is as much art as science, and anyone doing serious research on this book would (should) be using the original Latin anyway. This is a highly successful translation, and frankly a beautiful book, the sort that should occupy a well-worn spot on shelves of scholars and enthusiasts alike.

"Bestiary" is a translation of a medieval book about animals, originally written in Latin during the 13th century, somewhere in England. The main source for this bestiary was another bestiary, compiled during the 12th century, and also translated to English as "The Book of Beasts". Thus, the text of the two books are very similar. If you just want to buy one of them, I recommend "Bestiary". The reason? The illustrations are much better, and they are all in full color! Indeed, the illustrations are taken straight from the original manuscript, making "Bestiary" not just a translation of an ancient book, but also an example of medieval (Gothic) art.

We are used to a modern, scientific view of nature and animals. The Middle Ages saw things differently. Animals weren't seen as random products of blind, natural forces. They were created by God for the edification of the human race. Indeed, Adam named all animals in the Garden of Eden, each name reflecting their true character. Animals were not just brute beasts. They carried a moral message, directed to sinful humanity. They also carried a hidden, mystical meaning, which somehow paralleled the message of the Bible itself! All the world was seen as an enchanted, magical place, with each thing a symbol for deeper, moral or spiritual, realities.

This explains the rather strange style of "Bestiary". It's not just a collection of (often badly distorted) zoological facts. It's also a book of moral edification. The anonymous author often digresses from the "real" subject (the animals), and starts to preach Christian morality to his readers. That, too, was considered part of the subject. After a short description of the pig, the author attacks sinful gluttons and unclean heretics. The author also claims that coots take care of eagle chicks that have been rejected by their parents. The moral lesson? Animals are better than humans, who treat the children of strangers with out-most cruelty! The bestiary further claims that lions don't kill humans who prostrate before them, that they liberate captive humans, and that they never attack women. Once again, the lesson is clear: the lion has a Christian morality, while man too often hasn't. One of my favorite birds, the jackdaw, is apparently an apt symbol for chattering philosophers and heretics, not to mention gossipy and greedy men!

The mystical meaning of various animals is the most far-fetched aspect of the bestiary. All of nature somehow proved the Christian message of salvation. The virgin birth of Christ was "proven" by the claim that female vultures (!) gave birth without sexual intercourse. The resurrection was paralleled by the fiery death and re-birth of the Phoenix. The bestiary further claims that female lions give birth to stillborn cubs, but after three days, the male lion breaths life into them. This points to the resurrection of Jesus, and also to the Biblical passage "He couched as a lion, who shall raise him up?" (Genesis 49:9).

What particularly strikes a modern reader of "Bestiary" is the dismally low level of real zoological knowledge available during the 13th century. To a large extent, the bestiary was a collection of tall-tales. Indeed, many of them seem deliberately tailored to produce Christian parallels, such as the legend of lion cubs being "resurrected" on the third day. Of course, this fable-like quality makes "Bestiary" a very entertaining read. Thus, we learn that the beaver will bite off his own testicles if pursued by hunters, that a certain antelope in Africa can change its colors like a chameleon, that lions fear white roosters, or that barnacle geese grow from sea-weed! Some of the creatures in the bestiary are purely imaginery, such as unicorns, dragons, the manticore, and the eale (a deer with movable horns). Only the bat seems to be reasonably correctly described, without legendary or mystical accretions.

"Bestiary" is an entertaining read, an excellent work of art due to its full-color illustrations, and offers a fascinating look at the medieval world-view and mentality.

But if you want to know what's really shaking in the animal world, please buy a modern science book, LOL.

Look, I am just a mom. I am not some specialist in Medieval art or a religious commentator. I am just a mom. I have a six year old son who thinks the sun rises and set on this book. And with a little parental editing I read (most of) it aloud to him. The pictures are fantastic and detailed. It was just what I was looking for when my son requested a book on mythical beast. These animals appear in fairy tails and fantasy games and he wanted more detail on what they were exactly. A lot of discussion about what is real, what was misunderstood and what was just plain made up. A great spring board for critical thinking for a kid. It has been absconded by older brother who is 27 years old. My sons and I have enjoyed this book thoroughly.

If you are not familiar with the concept of a "bestiary," the best way to describe it is the attempt of the medieval mind to categorize and describe the animal kingdom. Bestiaries were the work of the educated class, because it was they alone who had the skills to write, and also to illustrate, a written tome. Bestiaries can be hugely enjoyable, for they allow us to see both the insights and the shortcomings of the medieval conception of "animal." And, in the case of this text, they could be lavishly illustrated.

This beastiary, which is a translated facsimile of the 13th century MS. Bodley 764, is simply a delight. At a slightly larger form factor than a standard trade paperback, the text is printed on the highest quality heavyweight, high gloss paper and is reproduced in full color (every illustration). The attempt is to reproduce the manuscript as it appears in the MS. Bodley 764, but with the Latin translated into English. The result is a gorgeous (and physically manageable) text which really does a good job of transmiting the original intention of the text. Although an index is provided at the front so you can jump to an animal of choice, the text is really best read from beginning to end. It is as I say a "delightful romp," and you'll find yourself entranced at the simulataneously simplistic and deep content the words convey.

By the way, you might think this will have animals such as "ox," "lion," "seal," and so on. You're right. But it also has a wealth of animals, real and imaginary, that you wouldn't necessarily expect, unless you are an avid medievalist. Try "Parander," "Bonnacon," "Monoceros," "Hoope," and "Wether," and then you'll realize there's a whole lot to explore here. There are about 120 animals in all.

A real treat for both bedtime reading and for more serious study, this book can also make a wonderful gift for the person for whom you can't think of anything to give.

I bought this book not really knowing what to expect on the inside - the name and cover sold it for me. I have read this book like a novel and enjoyed every bit of it. The stunning illuminations for each animal and the lively text that accompanies both entertain and offer an insight into the lives of medieval people. A delight.

This book is so informational on bestiary and its fun to read too. It will definitely help you if your doing a report on it. The illistrations are amazing! I never thought that there was such thing as a Manticore. I recommend all of those beast lovers to go out and buy this book. It will help you alot on reports. Or if you just dont have a book to read and you happen to pick up this one. Its wonderful.