ISBN 0-8014-1354-0 Cornell University Press $32.95 96pp. 8½"x11½" 66 photos, 30 in colour.

The above book is a wonderful introduction to the 1,300- year-old Lindisfarne Gospels, a key Celtic illuminated manuscript and a treasure not only of the British Museum Library but of the art of the book.

Ms. Backhouse does an excellent job to orientate the reader to the times, crafts, and religious life of the Lindisfarne community before and after the creation of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

For the aspiring Celtic artist there are 17 gorgeous coloured plates of the great illuminated pages and four coloured plates of illuminated initials show the essence of Celtic art at a level comprehensible to beginners.

As a bonus, there are six coloured plates of enlarged details...very helpful if you are taking a course in Celtic art.

Buy and enjoy.

 
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