The Book of Durrow

Series: Scribes Scholars and Saints: The Art of Celtic Manuscripts

Duration: 26

Year Published: 1987

Creator: Ulster Television

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Description: Examines the Book of Durrow, focussing on its design and distinctive properties while characterizing it as the "elder sister" of the Book of Kells, showing both the differences and similarities between the two. Traces the history of the monastery that produced the Book of Durrow, showing the location's current appearance. Shows the preparation of a hide in the making of vellum and also examines the front of a book shrine, stored underwater until it could be treated for conservation, which exhibits the same Nordic influence on its visual style as does the manuscript. Uses illustrative footage and narration by Dr. George Simms.