I was reminded of the book Byzantium when this last May 2005, I and some friends went to the
    Minneapolis Institute of Arts to see the exhibit of the Saint John's Bible that is being created by
    a group of artisans headed by Donald Jackson the renowned calligrapher and illuminator
    along with other scribes, artists, and theologians.   The Bible was commissioned by 
    Saint John's Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  This is the first hand produced
    Bible, text and pictures, that has been printed in 500 years.
 
    Before viewing actual completed pages of this Bible, we viewed a DVD of the work and artistry 
    involved in its production.  The attention to detail was astonishing.  The tiniest stroke of the 
    calligraphers pen was thought out carefully and then ink, hand ground and mixed, was applied 
    with great  care.
 
    Viewing the actual pages, each 15 7/8 inches wide by 24 1/2 inches tall was an experience
     hard to describe.  The magnificence of the illustrations accompanying the text left me totally
     awestruck. The pages literally  glow with the abundance of applied gold leaf; so  incredibly 
     beautiful.  It is hard to imagine the amount of time and workmanship  involved in producing 
     this exquisite manuscript in the manner of the monks of ancient times.  
  
     If you would be interested in reading more about the Saint John's Bible you may do so at 
     www.saintjohnsbible.org

    * The book Byzantium is the story of Aidan, a priest who is also a scribe.  Although, he was
     born to be a ruler of people, he lives quietly in an Irish monastery secure in work, contemplation,
     and dreams of the wider world.  His work on a beautiful and costly hand-illuminated
     manuscript is rewarded when he and other fellow priests are selected to bring this precious
     Book of Kells, to the Emperor of all Christendom.

     Thus begins an expedition by sea and over land, as Aidan becomes, by turns, a warrior and
      a sailor, a slave and a spy, a Viking and a Saracen, and finally, a man.  He sees more of
      the world than most men of his time, becoming an ambassador to kings and an intimate
      of Byzantium's fabled Golden Court.  And finally this valiant Irish monk faces the greatest
      trial that can confront any man in any age; commanding his own Destiny. 

     * Information for this book review obtained on the back cover of the book Byzantium.

      Other books by Stephen Lawhead which I have read include a favorite 3 book series:
               Song of Albion 
                    The Paradise War
                    The Silver Hand
                    The Endless Know
 
      *About the Author 
       Stephen Lawhead was born in Kearney, Nebraska.  He entered college as an Art Major.  His
       writing career began with a weekly humor column for  the college newspaper and he was a
       frequent contributor of poetry and short stories to various publications.  
 
       He married while in college, and then attended a Theological Seminary where he applied for
       the position of editorial assistant at Campus Life Magazine and continued to use his writing skills.
       Later he took on the management of a newly-formed rock group.

       After writing, in 3 months, the novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, and then having it published
       promptly, he and his family moved to Oxford, England in 1986.  Here he began researching and
       writing the series of novels known as the Pendragon Cycle.

       After living 1 year in Oxford, the Lawheads moved back to Nebraska but returned to Oxford in 1990.
       By 2002, in need of a change, they moved to central Austria where they now reside.

       * Biographical information taken from the official web site of the author.


       More information about the author of Byzantium, Stephen Lawhead, can be found at
       www.stephenlawhead.com