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What is the Book of Kells?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 19,799
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The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript that contains the four gospels of the New Testament, along with various supporting material. It is an extremely fine example of insular art, works of art produced in Britain and Ireland after the departure of the Romans, and many people consider it to be one of Ireland's national treasures. As is fitting for an Irish historical artifact, the Book of Kells is kept on display at Trinity College, Dublin, one of Ireland's finest educational institutions.

Insular art is characterized by a unique style that was quite different from that of art being produced in Europe at the same time. The Book of Kells features astounding calligraphy, supplemented by beautiful illuminations that include plants, animals, people, elaborate knotwork, and geometric designs. The illuminations include rich colors and gilding, and they are incredibly detailed and precise. The Book of Kells also includes several full page portraits of various figures from the gospels.

There is some debate as to exactly where or when the Book of Kells was produced. Most people agree that it was made around the eighth century, by Irish monks who used a Vulgate Latin edition of the Bible as their model. For quite some time, the manuscript was kept at the Abbey of Kells, which explains the name, and in the 1600s, it made its way to Trinity College, its permanent home. In 1953, the folios were bound into four volumes.

Visitors to Trinity College can see several volumes of the Book of Kells on display at any given time, in a special room that has been designed with archival conditions, ensuring that the book does not fade or become damaged. The books are kept inside sealed, climate controlled glass cases, with curators occasionally opening the cases to turn the pages, creating a rotating display.

Numerous reproductions of the Book of Kells can be found around the world, including several remarkably close facsimiles of the document. Many art books also include selections from the manuscript, as many people find the artwork to be haunting, beautiful, and simply incredible. This masterwork of Irish art is truly a magnificent cultural, historical, and religious artifact.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Language & Humanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon1000093 — On May 24, 2018

I think "The Book of Kells" should be re-homed in Kells, its rightful home ASAP! It's wrong that it is not located in its true home. I agree Iona is an important part of the story of the beautiful book also.

By allienoelle — On Aug 31, 2010

TwistedTwig- Yes, Trinity College does charge an admissions fee to view the Book of Kells that is on display there.

It costs €9.00 for adults to view the manuscript. Students with a valid school identification card can get in for €8.00. Immediate family members can purchase a family ticket for €18. Children 12 years of age and under can get in for free.

By TwistedTwig — On Aug 31, 2010

Does it cost any money for visitors to Trinity College to view the Book of Kells?

By anon46533 — On Sep 26, 2009

Would be nice if article mentioned Iona, in Scotland, as it is probable that is where it was made.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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