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Images from the Book of Kells

Stunning Illuminations from the Fabulous 8th-Century Book of Gospels

From Melissa Snell, About.com

The Book of Kells is a splendid example of medieval manuscript art. Of its 680 surviving pages, only two have no decoration at all. Although most pages have merely a decorated initial or two, there are also many "carpet" pages, portrait pages, and heavily-decorated chapter introductions that have little more than a line or two of text. Most of it is in astonishingly good condition, considering its age and history.

Here are some highlights from the Book of Kells. All images are in the public domain and are free for your use. For more information about the Book of Kells, be sure to visit this introduction by your Guide. And if you think these images are just amazing, don't forget to check out the Book of Kells on CD ROM.

Medieval History

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