Reading in the Wilderness

Delve into the rich tapestry of late medieval England with Reading in the Wilderness by Jessica Brantley. Published in 2007, this compelling hardback spans 344 pages and presents an insightful argument surrounding Additional MS 37049, a fascinating Carthusian miscellany located in the British Library. Brantley skillfully explores how this manuscript bridges the gap between collective spectatorship and individual study, offering a unique lens into the world of solitary monks.

By examining the texts and illustrations contained within the manuscript, she draws illuminating connections between reading and performance, both within the confines of a monk's cell and beyond. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in British and Irish history, Christian communities, and the spiritual practices of the Middle Ages. Discover how the act of reading shaped devotion and intellectual life during this transformative period in history.