Painted Labyrinth: The World of the Lindisfarne Gospels

by Michelle P. Brown

Published to coincide with a British Library exhibition of the same name, Painted Labyrinth: The World of the Lindisfarne Gospels looks at the background and history of this breathtaking artwork and symbol of Christian faith. Both illustrated and readable, the book is divided into short sections, each examining an aspect of the Anglo-Saxon world, the heritage of the people who lived and ruled at this time, and how and why this great book was created. There is a list of suggested further reading, and a complete list of artifacts and manuscripts in the accompanying exhibition.

Genres: Art, History

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2004

About the author

Michelle P. Brown is Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. She was previously (1986–2004) Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library. She has been a historical consultant and on-screen expert on several radio and television programmes. She has published books on the Lindisfarne Gospels, the Luttrell Psalter and the Holkham Bible.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice pictures but the writing didn’t seem to know what level it was aimed at.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice basic text that placed that anchored these early illuminated gospels and their era more firmly in my mind. Good for those of us who don't know much on the subject. This is the kind of slim book with nice color reproductions that is often sold in museum gift shops.