The History of the Middle Ages in Images and Symbols. An Engaging Story about the Culture and Art of the Era

It is better to explore the Middle Ages with an experienced guide. Then the journey will truly be fascinating, filled with little-known facts and astonishing stories. Historian and medievalist Mikhail Maizul's not only possesses deep knowledge of the visual culture of the era but also has the gift of storytelling, helping readers immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. 

"Between Christ and Antichrist" is dedicated to the analysis of Hieronymus Bosch's triptych "The Adoration of the Magi" — one of the most enigmatic and complex works of the Northern Renaissance, and possibly of all European painting. The author explores the symbolism of the master in connection with the religious and cultural context of the early 16th century. Maizul's main focus is on the figure of Christ, as well as the images of animals, strange creatures, and objects captured in the painting, to tell the reader not only about Bosch's outstanding work but also about medieval culture as a whole.

The second book of the trilogy "Imaginary Enemy" is devoted to the exceptional sophistication of medieval people in the matter of designating heretics, sinners, and the outcast. In the images of that era, one encounters scorpions, fierce dwarfs with hooked noses, red-haired bandits, people with blue faces, false prophets, and demons making obscene gestures. What these symbols mean, how medieval artists depicted enemies, and what images they used — the author explains. 

"Idol, defend yourself!" — an incredible tale of the struggle against paintings, the destruction of monuments, and the burning of idols. Mikhail Maizul's tells why hatred for heretics, evil spirits, and false deities found expression among medieval people in acts of vandalism. In the last book of the trilogy, you will learn about the practices of iconoclasm, religious and political conflicts, and "coercion to miracles." The book contains over 200 illustrations, some of which are medieval miniatures that have never been published before.