An Leabhar Mor

Book excerpt: A 21st- century Book of Kells that brings together the work of more than 150 poets, visual artists, and calligraphers. Scotland and Ireland share a mythology, a rich music tradition, languages and some history. Irish Gaels, known as Scoti, invaded Scotland in the 5th century and gave it their name. An Leabhar Mòr is a major artwork which renews the connection between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland and celebrates the diverse strands of contemporary Celtic culture. A beautiful book featuring work from every century between the sixth and the twenty-first - contains the earliest Gaelic poetry in existence. One hundred visual artists respond to the poetry in a variety of media. Includes work by poets Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Máire Mhac an tSaoi and by artists Allan Davie, Will Maclean and Rita Duffy among others. There is a website for the book, full of more information and details of related projects. Click here to watch a slideshow of 18 of the artworks in the book. Here are two samples 100 specially-commissioned artworks in the book, to whet your appetite: Art by Doug Cocker inspired by Tairseacha by Liam Ó Muirthile (b. 1950) Art by Andrew Folan inspired by An Scáthán by Michael Davitt (1950-2005)