The Irish art of calligraphy: a step-by-step guide

‘O’Neill has produced a terrific book that is accessible and learned, practical and technical. Newcomers to calligraphy and expert practitioners alike will learn much from his clear prose and how-to-do-it diagrams. Illustrated throughout by sumptuous images from some of the great illuminated manuscripts of the golden age of Irish art, O’Neill’s book will be a source of inspiration for students of medieval art, history and archaeology and everyone interested in Ireland’s contribution to European culture in the early middle ages.’

-Joanna Story, professor of early medieval history, University of Leicester. 

‘Combining practical skills with informed study of the great Irish medieval manuscripts, Timothy O’Neill has penetrated convincingly the world of the Irish scribe. Today’s young scribe could not wish for a wiser guide, or indeed a more attractive book to work from’

-Dr Bernard Meehan, Trinity Medieval History Research Cent

'This is not a book to be read, closed on completion and set aside but one that can provide many hours of ongoing enjoyment as it is engaged with. It can imbue a great sense of pride that comes from successful achievement and opens up the possibility of a long-term accomplishment. In a way typical of well-considered practice-based teaching, O’Neill presents even the most complicated tasks in a doable manner, thus helping to establish a confidence in the user.' Read full review by Dermot McGuinne, History Ireland, vol. 33, January 2025