Hannibal Books Books of Hours Books of Hope: Medieval Books of Hours and their Readers

• Examines Books of Hours, the most popular books of the late Middle Ages, which were widely owned across social classes• Highlights the widespread ownership of these books, from dukes to merchants and servants, in both Latin and vernacular languages, and in varied formats, from simple to luxurious• Provides a unique sociological analysis of the role and significance of Books of Hours, beyond their decorative aspects• Investigates intriguing questions, such as the book's name ("Book of Hours"), its readership, and its repeated appearance in Flemish portraits of the time• Explores the use and meaning of these books in daily life and medieval society, filling gaps in existing literature• Published to accompany the exhibition Between Faith and Vanity Medieval Books of Hours and Their Readership at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, Belgium, from April 2025 onwardBooks of Hours were the bestsellers of the late Middle Ages. From dukes to merchants and servants - this book found its way into almost all walks of life: among both women and men, in Latin and the vernacular, and in simple and luxurious editions. Much has been written about the decoration or illumination of books of hours, but information on their use and meaning is scarce. Who were the readers, what topics do the texts cover, why is it called a ‘book of hours’ and why do they appear time and again in Flemish portraits from the late Middle Ages? This publication offers an in-depth sociological look at books of hours and their representation in portraits by the Flemish Primitives, using the internationally renowned collection of Musea Brugge as a starting point. Richly illustrated publication on books of hours in late medieval society and their frequent depiction in Flemish portraits. Publication accompanying the exhibition Pride and Solace: medieval Books of Hours and their readers at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges from 4 April until 7 October 2025.Books of Hours were the bestsellers of the late Middle Ages. From dukes to merchants to servants, this book found its way into nearly all levels of society, both in Latin and the vernacular, in luxurious and simple versions, and among both women and men. Much has been written about the decoration or illumination of Books of Hours. However, information about their use and significance is scarce. Who were the readers, what do the texts cover, why is it referred to as a ‘Book of Hours,’ and why do they appear time and time again in portraits in Flanders during the late Middle Ages? This publication provides an in-depth sociological perspective on Books of Hours and their depiction in portraits by the Flemish Primitives, focusing on the internationally renowned collection of Musea Brugge. Publication accompanying the exhibition Pride and Solace: medieval Books of Hours and their readers at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges from 4 April until 7 October 2025. Autorid: Evelien Hauwaerts