The Book of Kells

by Ben Mackworth-Praed (Compiler)

The Book of Kells is the richest, most copiously illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels in existence. 35 full-color illustrations.

Genres: Art, History, Religion, Ireland, Nonfiction, Christian, Classics

70 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ashley Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tiny little book which operates as a good introduction to the Book of Kells. I do wish it was a bit bigger so we could get a better idea of the intricacy of the patternwork, and I wish there was a bit more information because each page really is fascinating. Still not sure how I came by this little book, but it was years ago and I can finally say I've read it. Off I go, once again yearning for more.

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book really brings out an appreciation for the art work and calligraphy that went into the creation of The Book of Kells by Irish monks. Enjoyed the book, and its illustrations alone are well enough good reason to hold onto this one.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m torn by this cute little book. Good information and speculation about The Book of Kells, great images but it felt a little too pompous for such a small book.

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

original spongebob big THE

shame this book is smaller than my hand

[Norm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of more than 300 pages, containing the first four books of the Bible, believed to have been crafted sometime around 800 AD on the Scottish Island of Iona. The history of the manuscript is fascinating in itself and for more information, I recommend visiting the National Trust for Scotland's website.

This particular edition (copyright 1994) is a small (5" x 6.5") hardcover containing 24 reproductions of the original manuscript, with the facing page of each "illuminated" by historical and aesthetic commentary by the compiler, Ben Mackworth-Praed. Of course, there are much more comprehensive volumes out there, but I like this one for its compact size and fascinating combination of illustrations and text. Overall, a great introduction to one of the most treasured manuscripts of the Middle Ages.

[David Sarkies · Rating 3 out of 5]

An illustrated guide to the Book of Kells
7 July 2013

I wish I learnt something simple from every book that I read but unfortunately that is not always the case. I doubt I am going to learn anything from the book that I am currently reading (the Last Days of Sodom and Gomorrah) but I can say that I actually learnt something from this book, and that is what 'The Book of Kells' actually is. When I first bought this book I thought that it was some Irish legend but as it turns out the Book of Kells is actually a very old Latin version of the bible (or the four Gospels to be precise).
Now, if it was just any old ancient copy of the bible (or the gospels) then I doubt anybody would actually write a book (even a little book) about it. Well, okay, there are lots and lots of books written about the bible (and the gospels in particular) but we are not talking about a commentary or some other Christian book here but rather a version of the gospels themselves. The thing about the Book of Kells is that it is a beautifully illustrated version of the gospels with so much detail going into almost every word the book is a work of art in and of itself.
Somebody mentioned that the problem with this book (that is the book about the Book of Kells and not the Books of Kells itself) is that it is a really small book which means that the plates of the Book of Kells that it represents are really small and it is really difficult to see the detail. This book (I won't go through that again because I assume you know which book I am referring to and which book I am not) also examines the various pictures and plates that is shows. However, instead of going on any further I think I might just show you a couple of the plates here so you know what I am talking about.



This I believe is the Book of Kells but it has been somewhat mutilated (probably because it spent quite some time buried underground, and then another long time hidden in some archbishop's attic).



These are some of the letters that are used in the Book of Kells. I wonder if Microsoft Word has a font like this, and if I can actually get away writing an essay using that font.



I'll let you work out what that image is.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a disappointment for me I would of liked a bit more detail and history included in the start of the book. The pictures of the books pages are stunning but in this tiny book they are hard to truly appreciate. All in all the book was ok and gave a brief overview and history with excellent pictures but if the pages had been bigger and a bit more detail included the book would of been even better and worth more stars as a review. Although reading this book has made me want to learn more about 'The book of Kells' so in that department it was a success.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is quite fascinating, and for people who are unaware of its existence – as I was – quite informative. That being said, it is unfortunate that the compiler or publisher chose such a small format. The pictures, or folios, reproduced here are so tiny that much of their rich detail is lost. Even with the text pointing out what was important in the folios, it was hard to ascertain the details. An interesting book and a good place to start.

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read to accompany a visit to the Trinity College library and Book of Kells museum. It is a very brief summary and I read it while jetlagged on the plane trip home, with a significant chunk of the book pictures of some of the manuscript. However, it is enough to bring out some of the key points of interest. One of these is the remarkable story of the book’s survival, illustrating the reason we have very little left from ancient manuscripts, despite the relative value individual writings would have had then compared to today. But the main focus of the book is explanation of key pages (e.g. opening pages to each gospel), which helps interpret the elaborately drawn letters making up some of the latin script. Since the Book of Kells comes from a period in Christian history which is very foreign to the present-day, the outline makes a good starting point for appreciating the treasure this manuscript represents, albeit just a starting point.

[Laurence Hidalgo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting and weird little volume. The book only measures approximately 4 3/4 by 6 1/2 inches, so the illustrations being explained are even smaller. Printing is inadequate for the discussion IMHO, and I needed to use a magnifying glass to see some of the details being discussed. But maybe I'm just being picky; it was still interesting to see the type of illustrations Celtic artists used when illuminating sacred texts. There are many fantastical animals, dragons, birds, so-called lions, etc., and cartoonish human figures of Christ and various saints. I'm happy I read it!

[Theodora Zourkas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations of the beautiful Book of Kells. Many years ago I had the chance to visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, where I bought this little book.
it is very interesting, as it explains each plate, drawing out the little details that most people would miss if you weren't looking for them. The plates in the book are like mini reproductions in full colour.
Enjoyable.

[bridie m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slightly teasing as the book of Kells itself is a masterpiece this book makes one want to see it more then they did before reading this. It’s very small but had some great descriptions and explanations to the pages from the manuscript. Useful information and a lovely little gift 🎁

[Natalie Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful introduction to the historical and contemporary theories of The Book of Kells, reading much like a well composed anthology. The print is easy to read but the images are far too small, doing a major disservice to the marvellous detail of the original pieces.

[Debi · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I liked: a brief history of the Book of Kells

What I disliked: too small to provide adequate view of the included pages, and not enough history.

Would I recommend: No

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief overview of the history and commentary on many of the folios. Makes me want to read a more in-depth book on the subject but a good introduction.

[Antony P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book. Nicely produced and informative.

[Jess Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short introduction to the Book of Kells--one of the few that I've seen that has color plates, although the book I have is small. Well worth the art and small synopsis explaining each plate, especially if you like Celtic designs like I do.

[Joanne G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information was fascinating, and the prints were extraordinarily beautiful. Unfortunately, the book is too small to do the prints justice. I've learned my lesson about purchasing tiny art books. From now on, I'll carefully check the dimensions before ordering.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to read a more detailed study, but this was a pretty good introduction to one of history's most famous religious texts.

[pjr8888 · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nice place to start