The Lindisfarne Gospels (Illuminated Gift) [Hardcover]

Janet Backhouse (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995 | Series: Illuminated Gift

"The Lindisfarne Gospels" is one of Britain's greatest artistic treasures, a surviving example of Anglo-Saxon book painting of the late-seventh century. Written and illuminated in honour of God and St Cuthbert, in about AD 698 by the monk Eadfrith, afterwards Bishop of Lindisfarne, it is famous for the quality and intricate design of its decorated pages. In this gift book, Janet Backhouse describes how the manuscript was made, placing it in the context of early Christian Northumbria. With all the major pages and many details reproduced in colour, this work represents an introduction for anyone interested in manuscript illumination, insular art and design and the early history of the book in Britain. An accompanying video, narrated by Kevin Whately, is available, ISBN 0-7123-0423-1 (PAL), 0-7123-0401-0 (NTSC).

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Pomegranate (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876545010
• ISBN-13: 978-0876545010
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,320,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Illuminations

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read study of an illuminated manuscript, September 12, 2000

By 

M. J. Smith (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lindisfarne Gospels (Paperback)

The scope of this book is best described by the chapter titles: 1) Lindisfarne and Saint Cuthbert 2) The men who made the manuscript 3) The text of the Gospels 4) The script 5) How the manuscript was made 6) The great decorated pages 7) The smaller initials 8) Some comparisons (with contemporary works) 9) The later history of the manuscript

The text is lively, including, for example, an old riddle describing the wax table used for sketches. The Anglo-Saxom instruments used in illuminations are shown in a photograph; you aren't expected to have detailed knowledge of medieval tools. The color plates of the Gospels are magnificant. The art shown for comparison includes not only other manuscripts but metalwork etc.

This book is not only an introduction to the Lindisfarne Gospels but is a good starting point for illuminated manuscripts in general.