Lessons in the Art of Illuminating A Series of Examples selected from Works in the British Museum, Lambeth Palace Library, and the South Kensington Museum. With Practical Instructions, and a Sketch of the History of the Art

"Lessons in the Art of Illuminating" by W. J. Loftie is a detailed guide from the 1800s about how to create beautiful illuminated manuscripts. It acts as a hands-on teaching book and also a story of the art itself, designed for artists who want to learn how to make illuminated art like that found in old medieval books. The book explains different styles, ways of doing things, and the supplies needed. It mixes historical information with tips for artists who want to learn illumination. It shows examples of decorated letters, borders, and other art from special books kept in places like the British Museum. The book stresses how important it is to pick the right colors, organize the page well, and make everything fit together nicely, to help the artist create amazing illuminated texts like those from history. Loftie traces how illumination changed over time, from ancient times to its peak in Europe, giving a full picture of this complex art.