The Lindisfarne Gospels and the Early Medieval World

The Lindisfarne Gospels, written and illuminated at the beginning of the eighth century, is one of the most outstanding masterpieces of early medieval European book painting. It was the creation of just one person, Eadfrith, who was Bishop of Lindisfarne, and is a precious testament to the tenacity of Christian belief during one of the most turbulent periods of British history. Costly in time and materials and superb in design, the manuscript is an artistic and religious world treasure. Although written in Latin, the manuscript also contains the oldest surviving translation of the Gospels into English, added to the manuscript around 970 AD.

            “The Lindisfarne Gospels” and the Early Medieval World brings together historical, archaeological, paleographical, and theological perspectives to explore and understand the full significance of this magnificent undertaking. Lavishly illustrated with full-page colour reproductions of the essential pages of TheLindisfarne Gospels and incorporating new research on relations between the British Isles, continental Europe and the Near East during the early Middle Ages, this book is a fantastic resource that celebrates both the beauty and the historical significance of the original manuscript.