BOOK OF KELLS

The Book of Kells , sometimes known as the Book of Columba, is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created in a Columban monastery in either Britain or Ireland and may have had contributions from various Columban institutions from both Britain and Ireland. It is believed to have been created c. 800 AD. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure.

The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity. The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art. Figures of humans, animals and mythical beasts, together with Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colours, enliven the manuscript's pages. Many of these minor decorative elements are imbued with Christian symbolism and so further emphasise the themes of the major illustrations.

Included in this Book of Kells app:
🕈Prefatory Note
🕈Preface To Second Edition
🕈Introduction
🕈Plate I. A Page Of The Eusebian Canons. Fol. 5 R
🕈Plate II. The Virgin and Child. Fol. 7 V.
🕈Plate III. Portion of the ''Argument'' to the Gospel of St. John. fol. 19 V
🕈Plate IV. The Evangelical Symbols. Fol. 27 V.
🕈Plate V. Portrait of St. Matthew
🕈Plate VI. The Opening Words of St. Matthew's Gospel. Fol. 29 R.
🕈Plate VII. Portrait of St. Mark or St. Luke. Fol. 32 V
🕈Plate VIII. The Eight-Circled Cross. Fol. 33 R
🕈Plate IX. The Monogram Page. Fol. 34 R.
🕈Plate X. A Page of the Text. Fol. 104 R
🕈Plate XI. Tunc Crucifixerent XPI Cum Os latrones. Fol. 124 R
🕈Plate XII. The Evangelical Symbols. Fol. 129 V
🕈Plate XIII. The Opening Words of St. Mark's Gospel. Fol. 130 R
🕈Plate XIV. The Opening Word of St. Luke's Gospel. Fol. 188 R
🕈Plate XV. The Genealogy of Christ. Fol. 200 R.
🕈Plate XVI. The Genealogy - continued. Fol. 200 V
🕈Plate XVII. The Genealogy - continued. Fol. 201 R
🕈Plate XVIII. Portrait of St. John. Fol. 291 V.
🕈Plate XIX. The Opening Words of St. John's Gospel. Fol. 292 R
🕈Plate XX. Compound Letters
🕈Plate XXI. Compound Letters
🕈Plate XXII. Compound Letters
🕈Plate XXIII. Compound Letters
🕈Plate XXIV. Compound Letters

We hope you'll enjoy the contents of this Book of Kells app. Please leave a rating and review to let us know how it went for you.