Livre de chasse (Book of Hunt)

This extraordinary manuscript features two pivotal treatises from the medieval realm of French hunting traditions. The first, “Livre de Chasse” by Gaston Phoebus, offers insights into the art of the hunt, written by the aristocrat himself. Following this, “Livre du Roi Modus et de la Reine Ratio” by Henri de Ferrières provides counsel on lordship, complete with a section dedicated to the intricacies of hunting. Printed in France during the fifteenth century, this manuscript is a rich tapestry of medieval wisdom. These age-old texts come to life in their modern French transcription, skillfully crafted by Robert and Andre Bossuat. The pages are adorned with 87 exquisite figures, meticulously drawn from miniatures found in French Manuscript 616 of the National Library. Together, these texts weave a narrative that transcends time, offering a glimpse into the world of French nobility and the artistry of the hunt in the heart of the medieval era.