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Celtic Ornament
The Art of The Scribe
By Courtney Davis
Published by Blandford Press(1996)
ISBN's 0-7137-2547-8 and 0-304-35962-9
 Celtic ornamentation is currently enjoying a revival in popularity and, in fact, looks quite modem to most of us. it is, therefore, hard to believe that its roots can be traced all the way back to the Halstatt period (800-450 bc) when stylized bird and human representations decorated the artifacts of the day. The abstract designs, floral patterns and highly imaginative decorative symbols now characteristic of Celtic design first appeared in Switzerland between the fourth and fifth century Bc. This style, know as La Tene, is credited with being the inspiration for the artists who settled in the British isles 1,000 years later. Initially a pagan society, this farming and warrior culture worshipped the natural world - the Earth Mother goddess, the sun, moon and stars. Celtic artists in Britain and Ireland drew upon this rich heritage to create remarkable jewelry, metal work and stone carvings. Upon the arrival of Christianity, the Celt's artistry and design turned to the glorification of God in the lavishly illustrated and magnificently colored manuscripts best represented by the Book of Kells, Book of Durrow and the Lindisfarne Gospels. Drawing upon all of these strands, the eminent modem Celtic artist Courtney Davis celebrates the 'art of the scribe'. His acclaimed and respected artistic skills are evident throughout this book as he reinterprets and presents the intricacy and beauty inherent in Celtic ornamentation, from the famous manuscripts and gospels to the decorated brooches, sword hilts, fine metalwork and craftsmanship.
A4 paperback contains 96 pages of B/W plates.
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