The Book of Kells

Sublime calligraphy, marvellous art, and amazing initials, have charmed and captivated the audience of the Book of Kells for over twelve hundred years. This remarkable illuminated Gospel book attracts the attention of scholars as well as those more generally interested in the fabulous artefacts of the past.

Everybody knows it was made by an extensive team of scribes and artists. Donncha MacGabhann knew that too. However, he was certain that a thorough examination could clearly identify the various contributions of its creators.

His life and work as an artist and teacher inspired the belief that a close visual study could solve some of its enduring puzzles. The deeper he delved, the more he was convinced that Kells is entirely the work of two individuals. This evolved into a novel paradigm through which he came to know and understand the manuscript. Following years of meticulous research, this book tells the story of Kells¿ two Masters and their collaboration to create a Gospel book of unprecedented magnificence. Most poignantly, it reveals the struggle of the lone survivor of the two-man team to attempt the completion of their magnum opus.

The most important outcomes of this book go far beyond the simple attribution of work to different hands. Much more significantly, it affords insights into the imagination which inspired its creators, especially the unique vision of Kells¿ great Scribe-Artist. Collectively, these new perspectives reveal a previously unknown ¿Book of Kells,¿ one which, as it were, has remained hidden in plain sight.

Challenging long-held theories is no small matter, and in doing so this radical study attempts to be comprehensive. The abundance of evidence may at times seem extravagant in its detail, for both specialists and non-specialists. The reader is therefore encouraged to find their own path in exploring The Book of Kells ¿ A Masterwork Revealed: Creators, Collaboration, and Campaigns.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 ¿ Script

Chapter 2 ¿ Illumination

Chapter 3 ¿ Canon Tables

Chapter 4 ¿ Initials and Display-lettering

Chapter 5 ¿ Colour

Chapter 6 ¿ Aspects of the Second Campaign and its Later Phase

Chapter 7 ¿ Excavating Kells¿ Text Pages: Textual, Decorative and Script-Related Features in the work of the Scribe-Artist