Irish manuscripts and their scribes have enjoyed a revival of interest in recent times. Long recognised as the standard work in the field, The Irish Hand offers an unrivalled introduction to one of Europe's oldest manuscript traditions. This newly revised and expanded illustrated edition incorporates high-quality reproductions of the works of Irish scribes through the centuries. The extraordinary stories of the survival of these volumes provide a commentary on the cultural history of Ireland, its language, scholars and scribes.
Part One presents a survey of the manuscript tradition, followed by essays on thirty-one of the great books of Ireland including The Book of Kells, Book of Durrow, The Book of Armagh, Book of Leinster, Annals of the Four Masters and more. The context, contents, and history of each manuscript are given, accompanied by a full-page illustration.


Part Two surveys the work of the scribes from a practical perspective, examining script and lettering in detail. Extracts are given from fifty-two manuscripts, transliterated and translated, with a commentary on the penwork.


Written in clear and accessible language and offering unique practical insights, The Irish Hand cover, 1,500 years of the Irish script and letter design from the sixth to the twenty-first century.