The Book of Kells

by Peter R.L. Brown, Peter Brown, Peter Brown

Book Overview

An unusual and original work of fantasy from the acclaimed author of .A contemporary man, John Thornburn (a meek, non-violent and unpredictable artist) and woman, Derval (his tough, confrontational,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394739604
• ISBN13: 9780394739601
• Release Date: November 1980
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Celtic Calligraphy and Art from the Middle Ages

From Front Jacket: "One of the most splendid, beautifully illustrated books of the Middle Ages, 'The Book of Kells' has fascinated generations of artists and historians. As Sir Edward Sullivan wrote in his Introduction, 'Its weird and commanding beauty; its subdued and goldless colouring; the baffling intricacy of its fearless designs; the clean, unwavering sweep of rounded spiral; the creeping undulations of serpentine forms that writhe in artistic profusion throughout the mazes of its decorations...the quaintness of its striking portraitures...have raised this ancient Irish volume to a position of abiding pre-eminence amongst the illuminated manuscripts of the world.' In this famous commentary, Sullivan traces the historical background and origins of the manuscript and places it as a ninth century manuscript, of a later date than the 'Book of Lindisfarne.' Popular legend, however, has it that 'The Book of Kells' was produced by St. Columba and the monks of the monastery of Kells about the middle of the 6th century A.D. Certainly, the manuscript survived many vicissitudes; the Abbey of Kells was sacked and pillaged during the 10th century; thieves sought its gold-studded cover. It was in the possession of the monastery at Kells at the time of its dissolution under Henry VIII on 18th November 1539, and was latterly acquired by Bishop Ussher, who was employed by King James I to collect antiquities relating to the Church. Five years after Ussher's death in 1661, it was transferred to Trinity College, Dublin. The manuscript was mutilated by an 18th century bookbinder, but in its present form consists of 339 pages measuring 13 x 9.5 inches. The late Sir Edward Sullivan, an outstanding authority, made an exhaustive study of this magnificent example of early Celtic art especially for The Studio; his historical survey and notes on the pages form the introduction to the reproductions in full color of 20 of the most beautiful pages, and the 4 plates of initial letters. To complement Sullivan's text and these illustrations, this edition also includes an historical analysis of Celtic illuminated manuscripts by Johan Adolf Bruun."