The Lindisfarne Gospels: Art, History & Inspiration

The Lindisfarne Gospels is an extraordinary book and one of the British Library’s greatest treasures.

It was hand-written and decorated over 1,300 years ago by a single supremely gifted scribe-artist. It inspires awe both as a pinnacle of book design and for the fascinating story of how it came down to us in almost pristine condition. Every aspect of its design displays meticulous care, keen responsiveness to a wide range of cultural contacts, and the workings of an immense and brilliant imagination.

This brand-new, accessible volume explores the latest research and thinking on the Lindisfarne Gospels and is published as the manuscript goes on loan to the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle for an exhibition exploring its meaning in today’s world. This magnificent guide presents a detailed introduction and commentary alongside the highest quality, detailed illustrations which celebrate the intricate, interlaced geometrical precision of one of the finest early medieval craftsmen.

Eleanor Jackson is Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library and has recently co-curated the exhibition ’Gold: Spectacular Manuscripts from Around the World’.