Medieval Art in Its Original Form – Müller & Schindler Publishing House
Since 1965, Müller & Schindler Publishing House has dedicated itself to creating facsimiles of historically and artistically significant medieval manuscripts and incunabula, as well as early topographical and scientific prints. In doing so, the publisher makes a precious cultural heritage accessible in all its richness and diversity. The trusted collaboration with renowned libraries and museums, which preserve magnificent manuscripts, highlights the publisher's commitment.
To better pursue our visions, we have now joined forces with other publishers to form the Universal Art Group. This merger allows us to combine our long-standing experience and expertise to protect and present the world's cultural heritage in all its facets and contents.
Over the past 59 years, including 23 years under the leadership of Charlotte Kramer, the publishing house has developed a diverse program of facsimiles from manuscripts and early prints of various origins. Notable works include Tristan and Isolde, the World Chronicle of Rudolf von Ems, the Otto III Evangelistary, the Golden Gospel Book of Echternach, the Lambeth Apocalypse, the Perikopen Book of Henry II, the Albani Psalter, Christine de Pizan's Book of Othea, the World Chronicle of Rudolf von Ems with the Stricker, the Gothic Picture Bible, and the marriage certificate of Empress Theophanu.
The aspiration to unite history and present, as well as tradition and innovation, has become the guiding principle of Müller & Schindler Publishing House. Therefore, we are particularly committed to utilizing new media – as a perfect complement to our authentically produced facsimile editions. These new media offer the fantastic opportunity to supplement facsimiles of impressive manuscripts and enchanting miniatures with newly presented background information.
In 2021, Charlotte Kramer presented a world premiere with the splendid royal fleur-de-lis cover for the unique King's Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle – the so-called "Chemise" of the manuscript.
In addition to our own publishing productions, the house also undertakes projects in collaboration with other German and international publishers.
One of the constant principles of our work has been, and remains, to meet the highest quality standards, including the use of real gold (at least 22 karats) in our facsimile editions to ensure a faithful reproduction of the original gold leaf.
The creation of each title is carefully monitored from the initial inspection to the imaging, printing, gilding, and binding. On one hand, the focus is on the protection and preservation of the original, and on the other hand, on publication and scholarly processing through facsimilation. The creation of each facsimile involves significant technical and artisanal effort (see "What is a Facsimile"). Each book is produced through numerous handcrafted processes, comparable to the work in a medieval scriptorium.
Dr. Ulrike Tarnow (Head of Library Department 06 – History and Cultural Studies, Free University of Berlin):
"Although fragile medieval manuscripts—often no longer accessible to the public in their original form—are now often available digitally, the image on the screen cannot replace the experience of holding a book object in hand. It teaches nothing about size and weight, the materiality of pages and binding, the splendor of the decoration, the relationship between inside and outside, illustration and text body, binding and handling. In general, digital reproductions deprive readers and viewers of the sensory experience that cannot be conveyed through a screen presentation (even in 3D). Authentically produced facsimiles, which make the diverse dimensions of a medieval book physically tangible, prove to be an unparalleled tool for research, exploration, and educational dissemination, especially in the context of university and book science education. We experience a correspondingly intense demand and usage in the library."
Why is Müller und Schindler now part of the Universal Art Group?
By bringing together several specialized brands—such as Müller und Schindler Verlag, Living Manuscripts, Medieval Art Stories, Faksimile Verlag, Eikon Editores, Haltadefinizione, Buchhandlung Anton Pfeiler, and Kulturalis—the Universal Art Group leverages synergies and enhances resource efficiency. This consolidation makes it easier to reach a global audience.
As a member of this group, Müller und Schindler benefits from expanded distribution channels and collaborative marketing initiatives. Additionally, being part of a larger network of art and culture specialists opens new opportunities to further develop and disseminate the publisher’s heritage and expertise.
