The Book of Kells is a masterpiece of western calligraphy, undoubtedly the finest remaining example of an illuminated manuscript, and one of the most important surviving artifacts from medieval Europe. Named after the Abbey of Kells, some forty miles north of Dublin, where it was held for centuries, the Book of Kells was produced around the year 800 CE, probably in both Scotland and Ireland. It is a text of the four Gospels in Latin, employing expert calligraphy and decoration, rare colors, and other embellishments that make it a true work of art.

Paying homage to...