The Coronation Book of Charles V of France, a de luxe manuscript made in 1365 is of considerable historical and art-historical importance. Its text des- cribes step by step te coronation ceremony of Charles V and Jeanne of Bour- bon, and its cycle of 38 miniatures illustrates in the greatest details the kingmaking and queenmaking ritual which was seen to constitute an expression of the political agenda of this Valois ruler. The author looks at the poli- tical and religious significance of coronation ritual and examines the way in which a changed conception of the monarchy (one in which the electors, members of the church and secular estates are given unprecedented promi- nence) is reflected in an entirely new pictorial realism. The author examines the political and religious significance of coronation ritual in the Middle Ages and explores the way in which a changed conception of the monarchy is reflected in a new pictorial realism, by means of the Coronation Book of Charles V of France. "This is a thorough, readable and comprehensive study of value to anyone interested in French politics and art, as well as an invaluable elucidation of this important historical manuscript." (J. Collard in Parergon, 2002, p.219)