Celtic Manuscripts
Okay, you’re going to learn that I have a bit of an addiction when it comes to manuscript books. LOL
These books used to be really hard to find. To be fair, it’s a bit of a niche topic, but it means that in the past when I come across one, I’d stack them in my arms and run for the cash register like a fevered maniac. The first time I went to Ireland, when I went to Trinity College to view the Book of Kells I hit the gift shop after and loaded up! Then I went to the Royal Museum and did pretty much the same thing. Then I had to go shopping for more luggage to bring all the books home. LOL I really didn’t plan it well… I should have gone to these place at the END of my trip (I had gone to work as a sketch artist on an archaeology dig) and not the beginning, because I was loaded up with bags like a little pack pony for 28 of the 32 days I was there. Live and learn!!
Thank goodness for Amazon now.
Just an FYI, the links to the books recommended below are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission for each sale at no additional cost to yourself. The commissions are put towards the upkeep of the website, so thank you for helping to keep Celtic art alive as a modern day art form.
*hugs*
Cari ❤️
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Must have #1. This book is one of three main ones that I recommend you get if you’re interested in Celtic art. Anyone interested in Celtic art has heard of the Book of Kells. This book has photos of the most popular pages from the MS (manuscript), as well as some general discussion about the artists and calligraphers who worked on it (yes! there are distinct styles between the pages and some are definitely better or worse), materials used, and the history of this definitive MS. |
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Must have #2. I have to admit that the Lindisfarne Gospels are actually my favorite. Unlike the Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne MS had only one artist and scribe - Eadfrith, the Bishop of Lindisfarne. His work is TIGHT… I mean wow. Exceptional design sense, variety, and enviable skills. And because he did all the pages himself, there’s a real cohesiveness across the whole MS, which you definitely don’t see in the BoK (Book of Kells). Another benefit to this MS is that it’s in considerably better condition than the BoK (which had been dunked in a farmer’s well repeatedly, to bless the water). So not only do you have an excellent example of Celtic art, but you’re able to see the details much better. |
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Must have #3. The Book of Durrow is older than the other two MSS (manuscripts), but has some very iconic designs that you’ll probably recognize. While the BoK has fine designs that can be difficult to make out, the Book of Durrow has wonderful designs that are easy to make out. It’s great for students learning the craft of Celtic art, with plenty of carpet pages (the heavily decorated pager with no or little text) and borders that can be deconstructed and practiced. If these three books were on a spectrum, I’d say that BoK would be the most detailed (but sometimes difficult to make out), the Book of Durrow has larger images that are easier to examine and replicate, and the Lindisfarne Gospels falls between the two. |
