Book of Kells, folio 7r

The Book of Kells (Leabhar Cheanannais, TCD MS 58) contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the Vulgate text which St Jerome completed in 384AD, intermixed with readings from the earlier Old Latin translation. The codex is the most lavishly and decorated Insular book and the most renowned monument of Celtic book art. Coloured decoration includes gospel-scenes, representations and symbols of the Evangelists, arcaded canon tables, and initials. It also contains copies of charters written in Irish in the 12th century, recording land transactions.