THE success which has attended the publication of this work is, for two reasons, a source of much satisfaction to those responsible for the original issue of the book.
In the first place, it amply justifies the belief, entertained by the producers when the work was brought out, that the presentation of a series of the unrivalled illuminated pages of the Book of Kells, in their actual colours, would be regarded as a welcome supplement to such previously published works on the same subject as contained only uncoloured representations; and secondly, it establishes the fact that there are many more persons - outside the world of connoisseurs, archæologists and palæographers - who are interested in the Manuscript itself, its history, and its artistic details, than was popularly believed to be the case.
Since the date of the first issue, some six years of war and the turmoil that follows war apparently put an end to all serious investigations in the domain of Celtic palæography. No new light, so far as I am aware, has been thrown during those years on any disputed questions relating to the Book of Kells. Consequently there is little to add, from the studies of others, to the description of the Manuscript as given in the first edition.
The Manuscript itself is, however, so full of information from within, that a slight study of even the reproductions given in this volume enables a careful observer to discover features of interest, previously unnoticed, on almost every page. Amongst such discoveries, made by myself, are a few perhaps worth mention.
By:
Bernard Meehan
Imprint: Thames & Hudson
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd Revised edition
Dimensions:
Height: 248mm,
Width: 190mm,
Weight: 390g
ISBN: 9780500480243
ISBN 10: 0500480249
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 01 March 2018
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Historical Background * Early History of The Book of Kells * Later History of The Book of Kells * Navigation of The Book of Kells * Structure of The Book of Kells * Canon Tables * Virgin and Child * Hebrew Names * Breves Causae and Argumenta * Matthew's Gospel * Mark's Gospel * Luke's Gospel * John's Gospel * Decoration of The Book of Kells * Antecedents and Influences * Symbols and Themes * Scribes and Artists * Script, Pricking and Ruling, Correcting * The Scribes * The Artists * Materials and Pigments
Reviews for The Book of Kells: Official Guide
'Beautiful colour illustrations of both full pages and details' - Church Times 'Provides insights into the Gospels not found anywhere else' - Methodist Enquirer 'Enthralling … the range of vivid colours is almost as impressive as the striking use of gold in creating this sacramental trasure' - Antiques Diary
