The Book of Kells is widely recognised as one of the world’s most
beautiful decorated manuscripts and a masterpiece of European medieval
art, with images that are staggering in their richness, intricacy and
inventiveness. This handsome new volume, by Dr Bernard Meehan, Keeper of
Manuscripts at Trinity College Library, brims with fresh insights and
interpretations and features the extraordinary imagery on a generous
scale. The publication which was introduced by Professor of History of
Art, Roger Stalley also marks the tercentenary of the foundation of the
Old Library building, Trinity College Library, Dublin, one of the great historic libraries of the world.
The Book of Kells dates from around 800 AD and contains a Latin text
of the four Gospels. There is great uncertainty about its origins. It is
thought that the Book of Kells was first worked on at the monastery on
the island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland, and was continued,
after Viking raids, at the monastery of Kells in Ireland. The Book
remained in Kells until the mid-1600s, and in 1661 was presented to
Trinity College, Dublin, where it is on permanent display, and is
regarded as a national treasure. It is seen every year by half a million
visitors from all over the world.
This
new publication, presented in a cloth-bound slipcase, features 84
full-size reproductions of complete pages of the manuscript, while
enlarged details allow one to relish the intricacy of elements barely
visible to the naked eye. Meehan explores the Book of Kells through its
historical background; the spectacular openings of the texts that
precede the Gospels; a study of earlier and comparable manuscripts;
detailed examination of symbols, themes and narratives, a look at the
scribes and artists who worked on the manuscript; and a consideration of
technical aspects, illuminated by recent scientific research.
Bernard Meehan is Head of Research Collections and Keeper of
Manuscripts at Trinity College Library, Dublin. His curatorial
responsibilities include the college’s distinguished corpus of medieval
manuscripts (including the Book of Kells and Book of Durrow),
pre-medieval manuscripts, collections of Irish historical and literary
papers, and the early printed books housed in the iconic Long Room of
the Old Library.
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Source: Trinity College Dublin via @medievalbook
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