Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The Book of Kells -- Online Learning


So I signed up for a free online course from Trinity College, Dublin and am learning about the Book of Kells  -- that amazingly beautiful and ornate illuminated manuscript from the 9th Century -- and the society that produced this treasure.


I love learning new things. I was amazed to learn that in the 10th Century, Irish monasteries had established foundations (other monasteries) across Europe -- in France, Germany, Italy, and as far east as Vienna.




I am also enchanted by the calligraphy (insular majuscule it's called) and find myself strongly tempted to dig out my long-abandoned pens and ink . . .  




The course lasts four weeks and is not especially grueling -- they say four hours reading/viewing time each week. I'm halfway through the first week and really enjoying it.

( If you're interested in learning more about this course, follow the link HERE)

All images from Pinterest.



6 comments:

KarenB said...

I've been out of town with a dying friend, but have this email waiting for me to start learning. I will be seeing whichever page it is open to the end of next month and wanted to learn more before I get there.

Barbara Rogers said...

These are such beautiful illustrations! The monks made these inks...and they are still so vibrant! I signed up for the course, but missed yesterday's first lesson...will try to catch up.

Vicki Lane said...

I believe we have till Nov 18 to complete it. (Forever if you choose the paying option.)

katy gilmore said...

this is amazing - what a discovery - thanks Vicki! Oh I love that Cat From the Book of Kells image! and right below a course about the Lancaster Castle - close to my heart. I'm so behind - missed commenting about Josie's adventures with language! Isn't that the best! I loved how she fell for the photo on book jacket - when our younger son was little, he was for a time, transfixed by the teeny tiny image of Buddy Holly (the skinny tie and black suit look)on the back of a tape case. We could barely see it -- he adored it.

Jime said...

Hi Vicki, Is this a separate church or the Catholic Church? Sounds interesting. Thanks

Vicki Lane said...

Jim, At this time in western Europe, the Roman Catholic church was pretty much the only game in town.