Saint John's Bible: Gospels and Acts

The Saint John’s Bible

by Donald Jackson (Designer)

2006 Catholic Press Association Award Winner! The first of seven full-color, page-by-page reproductions from The Saint John's Bible, Gospels and Acts has more than 25 illuminations, including full-page opening illuminations for each of the four gospels. Some of the prominent illuminations include the Genealogy of Jesus , the Birth of Christ , the Raising of Lazarus , the Crucifixion, Christ Our Light , the Last Supper, the Road to Emmaus , and Pentecost . The Word of God, hand-illuminated through ancient methods by a contemporary master, brings the reader to an epiphany of the sacred. Those who allow themselves to savor the experience unfolding before them will come to see how Gospels and Acts beautifully marries text and image to serve the Word. An internationally respected calligrapher, Donald Jackson is the artistic director and illuminator of The Saint John's Bible . He is a Senior Scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Crown Office at the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, a position in which he is responsible for the creation of official state documents. He is an elected Fellow and past Chairman of the prestigious Society of Scribes and Illuminators. His 30-year retrospective exhibition, Painting with Words , premiered at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota in August, 1988 and traveled to 13 museums and galleries. Donald Jackson works with a team of theologians and artists from Saint John's University and Abbey on The Saint John's Bible . From his scriptorium in Wales, he oversees scribes, artists, and craftsmen who work with him on the handwriting and illumination of the seven-volume, 1,150-page Bible.

Genres: Art, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Reference

136 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saint John's Bible, Vol. 6: Gospels and Acts

Initial Desire from the Book: I want to see if reading the Gospels in an environment of artistic nuance (e.g. a person's handwriting vs. predictable computer fonts) would have any effect, or rather, cause some kind of heightened affection.

There is something to reading the Gospels in a calligraphic font, and one with the nuances of a person's handwriting. This makes the text feel like you're reading a letter from a friend, which adds a warmth to the read. Add to this the beautiful art within this book and the letter-warmth receives a pilgrimage-esque richness that a person might have if they see something like the Book of Kells.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking achievement, the Saint John's Bible is as much a work of art as it is a book of scripture. The experience of reading it is unlike that of any other book, including other editions of the Bible.

[Diana Kullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is first illuminated book that I have read. One should be familiar with the Gospels as the font is a little difficult to read. I found THE WORD and illustrations very beautiful. It is a large volume and would be beautiful in my coffee table if I had one.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite one, which tells me the they did it justice.