Visible Words: A Study of Inscriptions In and As Books and Works of Art

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Visible Words: A Study of Inscriptions In and As Books and Works of Art
Authors and Contributors      By (author) John Sparrow
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:172
Dimensions(mm): Height 279,Width 210
Category/GenreSculpture
Carvings
Architecture
Historical and comparative linguistics
Literary studies - classical, early and medieval
ISBN/Barcode 9780521136655
ClassificationsDewey:417.7
Audience
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 17 February 2011
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Mr Sparrow traces the development of the inscription as a literary form in Renaissance and post-Renaissance Europe. He defines the 'literary' inscription as 'a text composed with a view to its being presented in lines of different lengths, the lineation contributing to or enhancing the meaning, so that someone who does not see it, actually or in the mind's eye, but only hears it read aloud, misses something of the intended effect'. Mr Sparrow attributes the Renaissance concern with the visual presentation of words to the profound interest in epigraphy aroused by the rediscovery of classical inscriptions. This interest was felt mainly by scholars and writers, but it extended to architects, painters, sculptors and designers of monuments - all of whom incorporated inscriptions in their work.

Author Biography

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