A Medieval Book of Beasts

<b>Text translation and critical study of one of the most important medieval bestiaries.</b><br><br><br>The bestiary - a book of animals both real and mythical - is one of the most interesting and appealing medieval artefacts. The Second-family bestiary is the most important and frequently produced version (some 49 known manuscripts exist). Of English origin and predominantly English production it boasts a spiritual text modernized to meet the needs of its time and features exceptional illustrations. This study addresses the work's purpose and audience challenging previous assumptions with direct evidence in the manuscripts themselves linking their use to teachers at the elementary-school level and exploring the art the text and the cultural context for the bestiary. It includes a critical edition and new English translation and a catalogue raisonné of the manuscripts. Fully illustrated.