Medieval rabbit

Many of our readers will already be familiar with our Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts, a resource which enables you to search by shelfmark, keyword, or date, as well as by more advanced fields such as language and provenance. We thought it was about time to give a reminder that all...

Here at Quirk Books we are of the opinion that medieval manuscripts are among the most amazing works of book art there are. We especially like the manuscripts where weird things happen in the margins. And especially when sweet, innocent animals, such as rabbits, turn into lean, mean killing machines. Who knew that Thumper could be so vicious?

Gorleston Psalter, England 14th century (BL, Add 49622, fol. 133r)

In all the kingdom of nature, does any creature threaten us less than the gentle rabbit?

Hare with harp from "The Maastricht Hours’," Liège 14th century, Bodleian Library, Stowe 17, fol. 92v

Rabbit Musician Vincent of Beauvais, Speculum historiale, France ca. 1294-1297

Thomas Foss is raising funds for Killer Rabbits: Medieval manuscript art made into miniature on Kickstarter! The most unexpected enemy! The most vindictive, and surprising foes to challenge your players on the tabletop. Killer Rabbits!

They're playing drums, horns, and even stringed instruments!

Contemporary etching of hares

Drolleries on Pinterest | British Library, Gorleston and Medieval ...

hare

The hare is a moon-beast, a shapeshifter, a creature of renewal and transformation. Learn more about its myths, legends and meanings.

rabbit riding a snail. Armorial, Netherlands c. 1650 (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Chig.G.IV.113, fol. 120v)

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