GENERAL READING "How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill (1995) Anchor/Doubleday Cahill reveals what they never taught in history class: how the Irish monks saved the classic works of Greece and Rome while western civilization was descending into barbarism on the continent . . . a tour de force! Highly Recommended. "Sun Dancing" by Geoffrey Moorhouse (1997) Harcourt-Brace An unusual journey into the daily life of Celtic monks on the island of Skellig Michael over the course of six hundred years. The second half factual and the first half historical fiction, Moorhouse's book is a charming blend of speculation and history.

"The Book of Kells" by Bernard Meehan (1994) Thames & Hudson
Short of coughing up $18,000 for the facsimile edition, this paperback is as close as you'll come to owning the Book of Kells. The color plates are breathtaking and overwhelmingly superior to any previously released publication. Meehan's commentary is insightful and the text covers all aspects of the Book of Kells, its history and the methods of the artists . . . First Rate!

"The Lindisfarne Gospels" by Janet Backhouse (1981/1997) Phaidon
Recently reissued with improved color plates, this 1981 volume remains the definitive reference source for Lindisfarne. As an added bonus several details are reproduced at actual size, giving the reader an appreciation of the miniscule scale attained by the scribes.

"The Book of Durrow" by Bernard Meehan (1996) Roberts Rinehart                
The Book of Durrow is one of the earliest fully illuminated Irish gospel books. Filled with enigmatic and often primitive designs, it is an important link between the earlier semi-decorated manuscripts and the later masterpieces of Kells and Lindisfarne. This hardcover edition contains plenty of good-quality color plates and the text is informative, but the placement of the photos and the descriptions of each are scattered throughout with no apparent rhyme or reason. Still well worth having, even if you may have to thumb back and forth a bit.

"Celtic Art: Symbols and Imagery" by Miranda Green (1997) Sterling          
One of the best all-around books on the subject, this paperback has on nearly every page sumptious color photos of Celtic artifacts from the Neolithic Age to the Book of Kells, including many not often published in Celtic art books. Green's commentary is scholarly and extremely well-balanced between archaeological fact and speculation on symbolic meanings. ***Highly Recommended.

"Irish Archaeology Illustrated" edt. by Michael Ryan (1994) Country House      
For the reader with a more serious interest in the history of Ireland, this volume will not fail to please. Packed with over sixty essays by respected archaeologists, the book discusses all facets of daily life from the earliest prehistoric settlements to the time of Cromwell. Lots of black and white illustrations and a few color plates as well.

"The Picts and the Scots" by Lloyd and Jenny Laing (1993) Sutton Publishing       
A fascinating guide to the history and art of the people of southwest Scotland and northeast Ireland, whose combined influence on Celtic art was considerable. Long known for their great stone slab monuments covered with mysterious clan and religious symbols, these Celtic warrior tribes have largely remained an enigma. This book throws new light on the Picts and Scots, discussing their respective cultures, heritage, and the relationship between these two ancient peoples, with an excellent commentary by archaeologists Lloyd and Jenny Laing.

"Illuminated Manuscripts" by Giulia Bologna (1988) Crescent Books
An excellent overview of the written book from its earliest days to Gutenberg's press. The first half of the book contains the author's text, which documents the art of the scribe and the development of the book from scroll to codex. The real treat however is the second half of the book, which consists of hundreds of full-color photos of illuminated masterpieces from Roman days to the medieval books of Hours. ***Recommended.

RESOURCE BOOKS FOR THE CELTIC ARTIST

"Celtic Art In Pagan and Christian Times" by J. Romilly Allen (1904)(1997 reprint) Senate Books.    
The grand old man of 20th century Celtic art research, Romilly Allen was one of the true pioneers whose work led to today's new Celtic Renaissance. This, one of his two classic works, has at long last been reprinted and should be on the bookshelf of every Celtic artist. Page after page of ancient motifs, organized and classified by type and locality and drawn in an expert hand, accompanied by an excellent commentary...truly a monumental effort.  ***A classic from beginning to end.

"Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction" by George Bain (1951) Dover
This paperback is without doubt the "Bible" of modern Celtic artists worldwide. The sheer amount of art George Bain transcribed into detailed pen and ink drawings is incredible, the result of over thirty years of observation and dedication. No Celtic artist should (or can) be without this book. Bain's methods are quite useful, except for his knotwork and key patterns, which are confusing and slightly impractical. For the correct methods of knotwork and key patterns, we suggest you try the following:

Aidan Meehan's Celtic Design Series (Thames & Hudson)
Aidan Meehan has developed a series of instructional books which cover all aspects of Celtic design. The dot-grid knotwork methods presented here are those used by the ancient scribes, and are highly recommended to the beginning Celtic artist. Books in the series include: Celtic Design: A Beginner's Manual; Knotwork: The Secret Method of the Scribes; Spiral Patterns; Maze Patterns; Animal Patterns; Illuminated Letters; The Tree of Life, The Treasury of Celtic Knots. ***All Recommended. For knotwork, we do not recommend Meehan's small 1991 volume "Knotwork";  the two others listed here are more recent and much more helpful.

"Celtic Design and Ornament for Calligraphers" by Jack McKinder (1999) Thames & Hudson
This paperback covers nearly all aspects of Celtic design, and is especially important in that McKinder offers here a simplified artists' version of the compass layout methods discovered by Prof. Robert Stevick in his book "Earliest Irish and English Bookarts". McKinder's book is remarkably clear in his explanations and diagrams, and this book would be first rate except that he uses Andy Sloss' knotwork methods, rather than the five-spot grid method found in Aidan Meehan's books. Other than that, this book is first-rate all the way.

"Celtic Knotwork" by Iain Bain (1985) Sterling Books
"Celtic Key Patterns" by Iain Bain (1993) Sterling Books
Iain Bain was the son of George Bain, and in the later years of his life made it his mission to correct and clarify his father's work, which many Celtic artists were finding difficult to use. Iain succeeded, developing his own improved grid methods for layout and knotwork design. Again, we recommend Aidan Meehan's knotwork methods over Bain's, but these books are still worth having.  ***Both Recommended.

"Medieval Calligraphy" by Marc Drogin (1980) Dover Books
Mark Drogin presents the techniques of hand lettering, in easy-to-use charts which guide the calligrapher stroke by stroke through the various scripts. Drogin stresses the importance of learning from the medieval scribes through direct observation of their work, and provides dozens of reproductions of ancient writing from the early Celtic monks to the courtly scribes of the fifteenth century.The text is lively, informative and a joy to read with its humorous anecdotes and sly wit. A refreshing change from the usual boring calligraphy manuals.  ***First-rate!

"The Calligrapher's Handbook" by Heather Child (1986) Taplinger Publishing      
While not quite as exciting to read, this book will very quickly become one of the most worn and dog-eared in your collection, as it is absolutely indispensable for the Celtic artist or anyone interested in calligraphy. In this volume you will find detailed information on the cutting of quill pens, the preparation of vellum and parchment, grinding pigments, using dipping pens with inks, brush lettering, etc, etc, etc. ***A must-have for the serious calligrapher. 

"The Artist's Handbook" by Ralph Mayer (1940,several editions) Viking Press      
The grandaddy of all modern art reference books, Mayer's classic work is still the definitive all-in-one volume. Contains hundreds of recipes for all media, including egg tempera, encaustic, casein, oils, acrylics, gouache, pastels and watercolors. Detailed instructions, techniques and information on pigments, solvents and painting grounds are also provided. ***A classic reference work for every studio bookshelf.

"The Encyclopedia of Calligraphy Techniques" by Diana Hardy Wilson (1990) Quarto Publishing
An excellent handbook for the calligrapher both professional and novice. Especially good for calligraphy project ideas...many interesting textural innovations are covered, along with gilding and illumination demonstrations. Step by step illustrations for various projects, including experimental effects. ***Great reference book.

"SECRETA" by Joyce Grafe (1985) Taplinger Publishing Co.
For those interested in the finer points of gilding with gesso and gold leaf, this slim little paperback reveals three methods, using gum ammoniac, gesso, egg tempera and acrylic medium. Examples of medieval illuminated letters are presented along with detailed instructions for preparing surfaces and laying gold leaf. The text is well-written and clearly explains each step. ***A miniature classic.

*These books are all still in print as far as I know, and can likely be ordered online at Borders.com, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.com. If you have any trouble finding these books, please email me and I will certainly try to help.