The
Book of Kells (Dublin, Trinity College Library, MS A. I. (58), sometimes known as the
Book of Columba) is an
illuminated manuscript Gospel book in
Latin, containing the
four Gospels of the
New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created in a
Columban monastery in either Britain or Ireland or may have had contributions from various Columban institutions from both Britain and Ireland. It is believed to have been created c. 800. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the
Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the
Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of
Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of
Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure.