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Bestiary: Being an English Version of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, MS Bodley 764 Paperback – October 17, 2013

4.6 out of 5 stars 13 customer reviews

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 206 pages
  • Publisher: Boydell Press (October 17, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 085115753X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0851157535
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful By A Customer on May 6, 2002
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.
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35 of 35 people found the following review helpful By Ashtar Command on August 10, 2008
"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.
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful By Lynda Yoder on August 31, 2009
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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.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful By Ray TOP 500 REVIEWER on July 21, 2010
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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.
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Bestiary: Being an English Version of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, MS Bodley 764
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