Reproductions from the manuscript in Trinity College Dublin, 126 color plates, 75 monochrome illustrations. Printed by Co&Hu

The Book of Kells is one of the most famous artefacts in the world. An illuminated manuscript made by Scottish or Irish monks in around 800, the book illustrates the four Gospels of the Christian New Testament with arrestingly beautiful attention to detail. While many stunning illuminated manuscripts were made during this time, the Book of Kells is particularly remarkable for the majestic wonder of its highly detailed illustrations. So much so, many historians consider it the greatest manuscript of all time. Let’s take a look through some of the key facts surrounding this fascinating artefact from European history.