History of Graphic Design - Use in Books

Use in Books

Many books in the classical world were illustrated, although only a handful of original examples survive. Medieval religious illuminated manuscripts have used graphics extensively. Among these books are the Gospel books of Insular art, created in the monasteries of the British Isles The graphics in these books are influenced by the Animal style of the "barbarian" peoples of Northern Europe, with much use of interlace and geometric decoration.

• A page from Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 710

• The Ada Gospels are one of a group of manuscripts, known to modern scholars as the Ada School. Its illuminations include an elaborate initial page for the Gospel of Matthew and portraits of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Late 8th century

• A graphic decoration in the Book of Kells, c. 800

• Opening page of Book of Durrow, 7th century