$38.00 Cloth (Paulist Press)

THE BOOK OF KELLS AND THE ART OF ILLUMINATION, Brian Kennedy, Margaret Manion, and Bernard Meehan The Book of Kells and the Art of Illumination brings together the Gospel of St. Mark from the 1200 year old Irish masterpiece with a selection of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts which demonstrate the legacy of Kells throughout the centuries, both in terms of gospel illustration and of the illuminated book. Not only does the Book of Kells testify to the vitality of celtic art in the Early Middle Ages, but its fortunes also reflect the turbulent nature of the period in which it was created. This was an an age in which the British Isles were ravaged by Viking raids, and monastic settlements, the cultural heart of the country, uprooted. Yet, against these odds, the Book of Kells survived. In later times it suffered further disturbances, and in the middle of the 17th century, during Ireland's battles with Cromwell, it was transferred from the ruined parish of Kells to Trinity College, Dublin, where ever since it has had a secure and distinguished home. 85 color illustrations, glossary, bibliography. 80pp

$19.00 Paper (University of Washington Press)

THE CELTIC VISION: PRAYERS, BLESSINGS, SONGS, AND INVOCATIONS FROM THE GAELIC TRADITION (Selections from Alexander Carmichael's Carmina Gadelica), edited by Esther de Waal; Foreword by Timothy Joyce, OSB Devotees of Irish spirituality, and those interested in Irish heritage, will cherish this authentic collection of Celtic wisdom and prayer. Assembled from the original six volumes of Carmichael's Carmina Gadelica by noted Celtic author Esther de Waal, this rich array includes elements of piety that address every aspect of life. Morning prayers ask God's favor for a new beginning, while night prayers thankfully recall the blessings of the day gone by. Every aspect of daily life is sanctified with prayers for hearth, home, work, and play. Blessings, invocation, and good wishes catch the Celtic spirit affirming the presence and power of the Creator. Sections on Mary, the saints, angels and Christmas carols add seasoning to this unique book of Irish spirituality. Petitions to God for a safe journey and protection mixed with humble prayers of acceptance at the time of death. Providing an inspiring look into the Irish Soul, The Celtic Vision will be treasured by all who seek a deeply personal spirituality, and by those seeking an intimate relationship with God. 224pp

$15.00 Paper (Liguori Publications)

PRAYING WITH CELTIC SAINTS, PROPHETS, MARTYRS, AND POETS, June Skinner Sawyers The ancient Celtic tradition has taken the modern world by storm. Over the past decade seekers have collected all things Celtic - books, art, music, toys, clothing. But how much of it is authentic or lasting? In this highly distinctive book, June Sawyers has culled from a diverse pool of sources to offer readers a weekly dose of Celtic wisdom and witness. Beyond the famous trio of Patrick, Brigid, and Brendan, contemporary seekers will find kindred souls in famous and not so famous saints, prophets, martyrs, and poets who make up the fabric of the Celtic tradition. This book features short entries describing the lives, temptations, insights, and struggles of Celtic saints but also Celtic prophets, martyrs, and poets. Arranged weekly by either feast day, birth date, date of death, or alphabetically, each selection is preceded by a quotation from or about the saint, prophet, martyr, or poet and concludes with a thought to ponder. When appropriate, each entry is accompanied by a descriptive listing of significant sacred sites, museums, or other important landmarks. From Patrick and Columba to Seamus Heaney and William Butler Yeats, this is a timeless and timely, practical and wise book. Use it as your spiritual guide throughout the year. 208pp

$14.95 Paper (Sheed and Ward)