This extraordinary facsimile of The Book of Kells (Thames & Hudson, $95) harks back to a time when books were rare and unique. They stood for knowledge, riches, and artistry, and none more so than the Book of Kells. The original 8th-century manuscript is housed in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, where hundreds of thousands of people come to see it every year, but you can peruse this edition whenever you like. Overseen by Bernard Meehan, Trinity Library’s Keeper of Manuscripts, the publication beautifully presents 250 color illustrations, with crisp details that capture the intricacy of the illuminations. Meehan’s fascinating commentary offers insight on the manuscript’s context, creation, and artists; interprets its symbols and themes; and traces the wide influence of its art. Anna Thorn