Folio 27r of the Lindisfarne Gospel Book

The Lindisfarne Gospel Book was written and illustrated by a bishop named Eadfrith, in the islands of Lindisfarne, c.715-720 AD. It was venerated and processed into Masses, as well as used and read from during the Mass by the priest (a type of spiritual leader in the Catholic Church).  The Mass is the central liturgical event of the Catholic Church, celebrated every Sunday (at least). This is an incipit page, with the beginning text of the Gospel of Saint Matthew. The words on this page are very abbreviated and challenging to read, especially as they are in latin and highly decorated. It reads “Liber generationis ihu xpi filii david filii abraham (“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham”)".

This highly designed and decorative text is more of an image than written words. The geometric and highly ornate designs on each page of this Gospel book is meant to draw the reader in, and inspire the reader to find awe in the glory of God at first glance, before reading this book. The style was inspired by the Catholic faith and to shine the light of the Gospel onto the soul of the reader more deeply.