The Book of Kells

1914

Central PYP Sul. Hewitson Library, Knox College, Dunedin

London: Studio

The Book of Kells (ca. 800 AD) is a magnificent and vibrantly coloured illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. Its ornate pages combine Celtic knots and interlacing with intricate figures of animals, humans, and mythical beasts. Joyce was familiar with this particular edition; it is likely the one he carried with him around Europe. He wrote to Arthur Power: ‘In all the places I have been to, Rome, Zurich, Trieste, I have taken it about with me, and have pored over its workmanship for hours … some of the big initial letters which swing right across a page have the essential quality of a chapter of Ulysses. Indeed, you can compare much of my work to the intricate illuminations.’