The Book of Kells is often called the most beautiful book in the world. A masterpiece of medieval calligraphy and artistry, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the New Testament written in Latin during the late 8th or early 9th century. Named for the Abbey of Kells in Kells, County Meath, where it was housed during most of the Medieval Period, the manuscript was never finished. Transcribed by Celtic monks, it is thought that there were at least three different scribes. In spite of war, plunder, destruction, and thievery, the Book of Kells survived to the present day. Considered a symbol of Irish nationalism, the Book of Kells has been housed at the Trinity College Library in Dublin since 1661. It attracts over 500,000 visitors a year.OriginThe Insular styl