The Book of Kells (also known as the “Book of Columba) is one of the great masterpieces of Irish Christian culture. It’s a copy of the four Gospels in Latin with beautiful, intricate illuminations. But despite its renown, not much is known about its origins. Most historians date its creation to the late 8th century or so. No one knows exactly who created it, though theories abound. It gets the name “Book of Kells” from the fact that it was kept at a monastery in the town of Kells for a lon