Books of Hours Books of HopeRichly illustrated publication on Books of Hours in late medieval society and their frequent depiction in Flemish portraits Books of Hours were the bestsellers of the late Middle Ages. From dukes to merchants to servants, this book found its way into nearly all levels of society, both in Latin and the vernacular, in luxurious and simple versions, and among both women and men. Much has been written about the decoration or illumination of Books of