Color of Melancholy : Uses of Books in the Fourteenth Century

In the 14th century, French writers saw themselves in the winter of literature, a time for retreat into reflection.

They were beset by wars, plague, famine, and social unrest.

Yet, in the midst of their troubles, they made an important discovery: books.

This text explores the subject of books and literate culture in the period when vernacular literature began to displace Latin as the medium of intellectual discourse.

Under the patronage of Charles V, large numbers of Latin texts were translated into French, opening up new contemplations of history, of memory, and memorial.