The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College, Dublin

Richly illustrated, a truly beautiful introduction to “The Book of Kells.” Astoundingly vivid colors, virtually jewel-like brilliance in the reproductions. As myself an artist and writer attempting (after C.G. Jung’s “The Red Book” and years of studying and teaching William Blake’s illuminated books) to explore the possibilities of illuminated manuscript development in what may be a post-Christian world, the precedent set by the marvelous “Book of Kells” is at once daunting and stimulating. With the facsimile financially out of reach at $256, the T&H introduction is pretty much invaluable.

Love the full color. Bought this for an art class. Love it.

On an upcoming trip to Ireland, I plan to see whatever I am allowed to see of the Book of Kells at the library of Trinity College in Dublin. I fear that it will be as sterile and remote as seeing the Gutenberg Bible under glass at the Library of Congress, although there might be a tad more zing given that the Book of Kells is illuminated. In any event, in preparation for the experience I bought and read THE BOOK OF KELLS by Bernard Meehan. The illustrations are sumptuous. (There are 117 of them, 110 in color.) They certainly whet my anticipation, and I suspect they give me better and closer access to the Book of Kells than I will get in person. Bernard Meehan's text does not quite measure up to the illustrations. Meehan, the current Keeper of Manuscripts at Trinity College Dublin, certainly is knowledgeable. But his text assumes that the reader already has more knowledge about pre-medieval illuminated manuscripts than at least this reader in fact had, and it is a little on the dry side. I learned a lot from it, but I had to work harder than I think I ought to have had to work in an introductory work. Still, Meehan's BOOK OF KELLS is a more affordable simulacrum of what the 11th-century Annals of Ulster called "the most precious object of the western world" than was the compete facsimile edition published in Switzerland in 1990, which carried a retail price of $18,000.

The Book of Kells, a masterful illuminated latin Gospel form ca. 800 AD was composed under the direction of St. Columkille of Iona [Scotland] at Kells, Ireland. I was priveleged to view the original 3 times, twice at its home in the Trinty College Library, Dblin, and once in the late '70s at the Philadelphia Museum of Art when the National Treasures of Ireland were on tour in the US. AT the Philly Museum, The Book of Kells was accompanied by armed guards. Arguably, it is one of the greatest illuminated Gospels manuscripts from the "Dark Ages," a masterful depiction of the Hiberno-Norse style. It is certainly among the top National Treasures of Ireland. A few years ago it even was the subject of an Award-winning animated film (for adults as much as children), aptly named "The Secret of Kells," How could anyone interested in art from this period and/or proud of his or her Irish heritage not want to own least a piece of this ? With this moderately priced volume almost anyone can ! Sure, there are better, more comprehensive, and expensive depictions. If you can afford those get one of them, if not, this is the very thing. I have it sitting on my piano open to an illuminated page on a late medieval knockoff book stand. Or, it's exactly right for your coffee table. This is not something designed to waste away on a bookshelf gathering dust. It's like your best pressed Sunday suit at the right price !

The book is quality, with beautiful reproductions of the art work, and the accompanying text is very helpful. There is one caveat, however, and that is the packaging. Apparently my copy passed through some rain and since the packaging was only unprotected cardboard, it was soaked through and starting to come apart. Luckily the book inside was only a bit damp and with some drying was rescued. Obviously this book must be shipped in some sort of waterproof envelope such as UPS and FEDEX use.

117 illustrations, 110 in color. Published in '94 in USA, Bernard Meehan was (is?) "the current Keeper of Manuscripts at Trinity College Dublin". It truly does give a "scholarly analysis of these exuberant inventions, the artists, the text and the writing, and a full account of the historical background to the miraculous world of the Book of Kells". Necessary if you're studying Kells. Lovely if you're just looking. Interesting if you're tired of watching nonsense on television. A joy if you love to swim in the rhythms of the interlocking lines and swirls, and wonder what daydream created them.

The animated feature film "The Secret of Kells" sparked my interest in this very real, very historical manuscript. It's not large enough to be considered a 'coffee table' book, nor is it long enough to be considered a completely comprehensive study of the book. However, the book isn't claiming to be those things either. It's subtitled "An Illustrated Introduction," and it delivers exactly that. The pictures are great, and it has many full page and close-ups of specific pages from the Book of Kells. The price is right for anyone that's got a burgeoning interest in the Book of Kells--which is exactly what I bought it for.

This used book was in excellent condition; although there was an inscription in the front cover (which actually lent a charming personalization to the book) showing it had been given as a gift. The illustrations and descriptions are very good; the history is very well written - concise and easy to understand. Because we had the book, we skipped the long time to be spent at Trinity College and devoted our one day in Dublin to other attractions--The National Gallery, Archaelogical Museum, (admission to museums and the National Gallery is free) Temple Bar, the old jail, etc. Others in our group who did go to see The Book of Kells did not have the history of it and did not fully understand or appreciate what they were seeing. Therefore, if you are going to Dublin and wish to see The Book of Kells, I would suggest reading this book first to comprehend what it is all about. Our next visit to Dublin will include a visit to Trinity College to view The Book of Kells.

I got this book as a present and I really appreciated it. It is a clear analysis of The Book of Kells with plenty of high quality pictures. Highly recommended!

A really lovely work with illustrations of the most prominent pages of the Book of Kells, as well as numerous detail images. Until someone produces an inexpensive replica of the original, this is a good way to get a feel for the great book.

Document très bine illustré et très intéressant... il ne reste plus qu'à franchir le pas et aller directement en irlande le voir à Dublin...!

Bastante objetivo. Cumpre a função de informar o necessário ao curioso sobre o assunto. Recomendo como introdução. O preço condiz.

THE BOOK OF KELLS.El libro es de segunda mano pero como ya se anunciaba esta en perfecto estado.Es un libro iluminado irlandés muy interesante predecesor de muchos aspectos del románico