The Book of Kells

Hello there!

Be aware that this is my first free blog. I hope it will turn out great.. (: Enjoy!

Recently, I had to do a project about the Irish history for my English class. It was then that I stumbled across the Book of Kells for the first time. This book caught my attention immediately because a, it’s got intricate and minute details on all but two pages and b, it is ca. 1200 years old.

I think everyone should have at least heard of this book. For the reason that I had never heard of it before,  I want to introduce you to this masterpiece. 

So, what is this book about?

First and foremost, I have to tell you that it is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book. Due to its ornate calligraphy and wonderful illuminations it is considered by many to be the most beautiful book in the world.   

Now, here are a few pictures!

Four Evangelists and their symbols: 

Matthew the man, Mark the lion, John the eagle and Luke the ox.

 Clockwise from top left

 

The Book of Kells is thought to have been started by Irish monks on the Scottish island of Iona. Later, it was moved to the Abbey of Kells for the Vikings attacked Iona.  There is no way of knowing if the book was produced wholly at Iona or at Kells, or partially at each location. Later, the Vikings also raided Kells and how the book survived this raids is unknown. The fact that it did somehow, makes it even more precious. It was kept in Kells until 1654. Since 1661 it is kept safe at the Trinity Colleague in Dublin.

          Some facts

• It is written in Latin
• Half a million (500,000,000!) people visit the library of the Trinity Colleague, Dublin, each year to see it
• It comprises 340 pages (30 pages did get lost over the years)
• Since 1953 it has been bound in four volumes  
• Its bejewelled cover was never found
• It is one of the best known books in the world
• In the 1980’s, a Swiss company created a limited number of replicas of the Book of Kells that are so detailed, they include tiny worm-holes in the vellum

If you’re interested, please watch the trailer of the movie “The Secret of Kells”. It looks lovely and gripping.

By the way, check out the Vikings!.. xD

So, thanks for reading! 

Bye! (: