The Book of Durrow is an illuminated manuscript gospel book dated to c. 700 that contains the Vulgate Latin text of the four Gospels, with some Irish variations, and other matter, written in Insular script, and richly illustrated in the style of Insular art with four full-page Evangelist symbols, six carpet pages, and many decorated initials.[1]
Its origin and dating has been subject to much debate. The book was created in or near Durrow, County Offaly, on a site founded by Colum Cille (or Columba) (c. 521-97), rather than the sometimes proposed origin of Northumbria, a region that had close political and artistic ties with Ireland, and like Scotland, also venerated Colum Cille.[2][3]
Historical records indicate that the book was probably at Durrow Abbey by 916, making it one of the earliest extant Insular manuscripts.[1] It is badly damaged, and has been repaired and rebound many times over the centuries.[1] Today it is in the Library of Trinity College Dublin (TCD MS 57).[4]