Illuminating the Word
Book Description
Christopher Calderhead opens the doors to one of the most ambitious spiritual art projects of our time, revealing the extraordinary journey behind The Saint John's Bible. Through extensive interviews with the creators, this intimate exploration unveils how ancient traditions of sacred manuscript creation found new life in the modern world.
At the heart of this story lies the unique partnership between the Benedictine community at Saint John's Abbey and University and the skilled artisans who brought their vision to reality. Calderhead guides readers through the intricate world of artistic director Donald Jackson and his team of scribes and artists as they navigated the monumental task of creating illuminated biblical texts using traditional techniques and materials.
The book delves into lectio divina, the distinctive Benedictine approach to scriptural reading that transforms ancient words through the power of imagination and contemplation. Readers discover how this meditative practice influenced every aspect of the Bible's creation, from the selection of imagery to the careful placement of each illuminated letter.
Beyond the artistic process, Calderhead examines the profound challenges of translating timeless spiritual stories into visual form for contemporary audiences. The detailed chronicle of workshop practices, tools, and techniques offers insight into how sacred art continues to serve as a bridge between the divine and human experience, making this both a fascinating behind-the-scenes account and a meditation on the enduring power of illuminated scripture.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 216 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore English Manuscripts
- ✓ Explore St. John's Abbey (Collegeville, Minn.)
- ✓ Explore Illustrations
- ✓ Explore Illumination of books and manuscripts
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Bible, hermeneutics
- ✓ Explore Bible
