ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS OF EARLY IRELAND in full color, finest quality, full-page and double-page reproductions.

The rise of the manuscript coincided with the spread of Christianity, and many of the early texts were produced specifically to aid in the process of conversion. In the Celtic areas of western Europe, the most important kind of text was the Gospel Book. This came in a wide variety of formats. There were the portable 'Pocket Gospels', which missionaries carried with them on their evangelical expeditions; there were the scholarly editions, used for study and research in monastic libraries; and there were the lavishly embellished types, complete with full-page religious paintings and decorative calligraphy. These were designed to be seen rather than read. In most cases, they were either on open view on the high altar, or displayed during feast days and special processions. Most were written and illustrated by anonymous medieval artists.

This handsome volume of early Irish gospel-hooks features an informative introduction by authority James Johnson Sweeney in which he describes the development of the art of the Irish monks with particular emphasis on the Book of Durrow and the Book of Kells, and explains how the intensity, imagination, and freedom of these early Christian masterpieces bring them close to the spirit of modern art.

The book is a softcover, and measures about 7 x 4 inches. It has a 24-page text which introduces the subject, and the rest of the book is made up of plates – all full colour, many of them fold-out pages. The book was published in 1957 by UNESCO in Paris. It is used, but is in very good condition -- no writing, no stains or soiling, clean cover & tight spine. Top bidder should add $5.99 postage in Canada or $11.99 for mailing to the USA. Please don’t forget to check out my other books – postage always combined on multiple items. Thanks for looking.