What is the Book of Kells?
Q: What is the Book of Kells?
A: The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript in Latin of the four Gospels of the New Testament together with some extra texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks about 800 AD or slightly earlier.
Q: What language is the text written in?
A: The text of the Gospels is mostly taken from the Vulgate bible, and it has several passages from earlier versions of the Bible, such as the Vetus Latina.
Q: What type of art does it contain?
A: The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells are outstanding. The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with ornate swirling motifs typical of British Isles art. Figures of humans, animals and mythical beasts, and Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colours enliven its pages. Many minor decorative elements have Christian symbolism.
Q: How many folios (separate sheets) does it contain?
A: The manuscript today contains 340 folios (separate sheets), which are written on one side each. Since 1953, they have been bound into four volumes.
Q: What material were they written on?
A: The leaves are on high-quality calf vellum paper.
Q: How many full-page illustrations does it contain?
A: There are ten full-page illustrations contained within the manuscript's pages. Additionally, there are decorated initials and interlinear miniatures throughout its text pages that add to its beauty and vibrancy.
Q: Who wrote this book?
A:The writing appears to be done by at least three different scribes who used a variety colors gathered from many substances, some imported from distant lands for their work .
