The Book of Kells

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 Coptic and Nordic influences in the design properties of the Book of Kells while discussing the possibilities for when, where, and by whom it was made and also tracing a brief history of Irish Celtic monasticism. Shows how a modern scribe or book artist cuts pages from prepared vellum, prepares a quill for use as a calligraphic instrument, applies special ink and tempera to the page, and uses a knife to correct mistakes much as a medieval scribe would. Uses illustrative footage of monastery sites and the Long Room of the Old Library of Trinity College, Dublin, with narration by Dr. George Simms.