Eight century manuscript on display at John B. Cade Library

In the middle of campus lies the center of academic progression. Study rooms and rows of enlightening books adorn the walls of the John B. Cade Library. On the third floor lies something even more special…the Archives Department. Nestled in a corner on the third floor, this wonderful room houses a vast array of records and documents of Southern University and A&M College.
Every once in a while, the department puts a certain special project for patrons to view on the first floor of the library. This is where one can find The Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells was created in Ireland during the 8th century. It was at this time, known as the Age of Saints and Scholars, that the Irish monasteries were at the cultural and intellectual center of Europe. It was also a time that Christianity spread rapidly throughout this area.
This manuscript was created to glorify the life of Christ. Its Latin recount of the four Gospels of the New Testament contains beautiful, unique artwork on almost every one of its 680 pages. Its name come from the great stone church of Kells, Ireland where it was once stolen from and then found buried.
The original book is kept at Trinity College, Dublin as Ireland’s greatest national treasure. Direct public access to this 12,000 year old document is prohibited because of its frail condition. However, the public can now get a view of a facsimile of this literary work of art. For the first time in its centuries old history, the Book of Kells was created in its entirety in a full color limited edition by a European fine art publisher, Fine Art Facsimile of Lucrene, Switzerland.
“We are one of the few libraries in the state with one of the copies of The Book of Kells,” said Emma Bradford Perry, Dean of Libraries at SU. The Southern University Acquisitions Department purchased copy number 387 of 1480 copies printed in 1992.
The centerpiece for the exhibit is a glass case enclosing the facsimile, a specially designed presentation box and a commentary volume. Flanking each side of the case are four displaying blown up images of the exquisite artwork contained in the book.
Among the images are those of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child and an angel. Adjacent to the display is a television set and VCR where patrons can view a short video about The Book of Kells. “Classrooms can also be reserved for professors who would like to bring their classes to view this,” said Angela V. Proctor, the library’s archivist.
“This is an extraordinary work of art. It is one of a kind. Anyone who has an opportunity do see this, should,” said Perry enthusiastically.