John Dyer tweeted this link out this morning and I was blown away: Here was a bible that was beautiful in both words and the artwork.
I particularly enjoyed reading about the production of the Saint John’s Bible and the tools that they used to craft such a magnificent version of the Scriptures, such as vellum, quills, ink, pigments, gold leaf, stencils, and stamps.
Especially in our world of web technology I think we forget about the other creative technologies like those listed above that came way before our iPads and iPhones that still capture the hearts and minds of people.
When was the last time you, as a technologist, sat down and did something with your hands other than type?
Finger paint much?
I’m loving this bible and it’s unfortunate that it’s a bit pricey for me; I’d love if they came out with a digital version, but I’m sure it would still defeat the purpose – I bet it feels great in your hands.
Josh Miles says
Great find! Pricey, indeed…but man, that’s awesome.
John Saddington says
pricey……. yes……..
Justin Woulard says
The local art mueseum had The Saint John’s Bible on exibit here last year and I fell in love with it. I really should have brought a book or a print. The making of videos and the samples of the process were amazing.
John Saddington says
dang. i want to see it.
thyrkas says
What a fun surprise to see the St John’s Bible on Church Crunch!Have had the great pleasure of following the progress of the St John’s Bible for 10 years. It is a remarkable example of ancient/future book art. All of the art and calligraphy are done by hand in the traditional painstakingly slow manner, yes. Nevertheless, all the collaboration between the artists in Wales and the theological team in Collegeville, MN is done via the computer. That includes page layouts that must be done accurately so that the illuminations (any art or calligraphy that has been decorated with gold, silver or brilliant colors is called an ‘illumination’) and the text will be printed in an aesthetically pleasing as well as accurate manner. The computer is absolutely vital to the production of this 21st century, English language, NRSV Bible!
If you have the opportunity to see the original SJB pages, which have been on exhibition in various US cities and the UK for the last 5 years, do so. It is impossible to describe their beauty, and pictures don’t do them justice.The SJB project hopes to be completed in 2011 and will be permanently bound into seven volumes after that.
John Saddington says
WOW! that’s a long time to be tracking it!
thyrkas says
Wondering if the price that some of you saw for the SJB was the cost of the Heritage Edition? The Home Edition of the SJB (which will be a total of seven books each 10×15 inches in size; couldn’t put everything in one book, it would be too big and heavy to carry) doesn’t cost anywhere near what the Heritage Edition does. Each of the seven Home Edition volumes costs about as much as a video game. Thought you might want to know.
John Saddington says
oh. snap. i’ll have to check.