THE BOOK OF KELLS THE WORK OF ANGELS DVD NEW

The Book of Kells.

RENOWNED Scottish documentary maker Murray Gregor's latest work takes a reverential look at the Book of Kells, an ornate and literary gem that has survived the middle ages in fantastic condition. The book itself, with its exquistely hand-painted pages by medieval monks, is a visual feast. The stories and symbolism behind the book are even more fascinating.

Stylistically, the filmmaking is assured, authoritative and straightforward. Although scientific and academic work around the book is introduced in the documentary (for example, analysis of the paint used on certain pages reveals that the paint compounds had travelled half way round the world) there are no surprises, no narrative tricks or showiness. The choice of assembled interviewees and experts - various professors, curators and medieval historians - backs up this approach.

Of course, the star of this show is the book itself, whose pages the camera lovingly pores over from beginning to end. Historical anecdote - St Columba and the Iona story, for example - and mythology are also introduced.

Given Grigor's approach, dryness is unavoidable. Many will appreciate the integrity of the film, but at the same time it is the kind of educational piece that one suspects would normally be lost somewhere in BBC2's off-peak schedule. It never quite succeeds in communicating the full excitement that it continues to generate among the cogniscenti.

The Book of Kells : Work of Angels?

The great gospel of Colum Cille was described in 1006 as the chief treasure of the western world. Nearly a thousand years later it still remains one of the greatest achievements of Western art. For centuries the few who were privileged to see the intricate beauty of its designs called "the work of angels" . The documentary special conveys for the first time on screen, the greatest glory of Irish art through imaginative use of high definition film.

The Book of Kells revels in the glory of the four gospels. The harmony of the four is the artistic centre of this great work. The documentary takes the four cherubim of living creatures of the bible, revealing how these great gospel symbols of the Eastern Church, the lion, calf, man and eagle were transformed by the art of native Celtic artists. The Christian World of hot eastern Mediterranean desert of Judea fired these artists in the keener air of Europe's northwest to create this masterpiece.

Created on the windy Hebridean island of Iona thirteen centuries ago, the production traces the history of this great book to Kells and finally to the Trinity Library in Dublin, where the Book of Kells is part of their permanent collection. The magnificent manuscript, with its intricate Celtic knot work designs, continues to influence artists today. From Irish Poet, WB Yeats, novelist James Joyce to Umberto Eco, the 600 page document continues to mystify, inspire and motivate all who come in contact with it.

DVD Chapters Selections:
01. Introduction
02. Miracles of the Saints
03. A Celebrated Irish Manuscript
04. The Four Gospels
05. Celtic Metalwork
06. St. Columbia on the Island of Iona
07. Monasteries in Isolation
08. Carved Stones in Scotland
09. Scribes in the Monastic Church
10. Insular Manuscripts
11. Integrating Word and Image
12. Three Main Artists
13. Materials Used
14. Humorous Illustrations
15. Influences from the East
16. Parallels to the Insular Gospels
17. Attack on the Monastery
18. Trinity College Library
19. Restoration of the Abbey on Iona Product Details: