Drawing on the immense popularity and the timeless appeal of Celtic ornaments, David Balade has chosen the most interesting, diverse and typical patterns and motifs of Celtic art for this practical and historical sourcebook.

Even the most elaborate Celtic pattern boils down to a few basic motifs (including spirals, swastikas, circles, "s" curves, knots, tau crosses, sun signs, etc.). This lavishly illustrated handbook of over 600 designs offers a key to the intricacies of Celtic decoration, showing how the judicious use of these simple symbols, motifs, or ideographs can be used to develop newer and more ambitious patterns to meet the requirements of modern decorative art. Over 600 black-and-white illus.

Focuses on less familiar relics from the pagan past, tracing the history and evolution of pre-Christian ornamentation from the earliest beginnings to A.D. 700. Great value to students of design and archaeology.

Noted artist and best-selling author Courtney Davis celebrates the intricate artistry of the great Celtic Christian scribes. Early Celtic artists drew upon ancient traditions to design exquisitely patterned jewelry, metalwork, and carvings. With the arrival of Celtic Christianity, their focus turned to the glorification of God, seen in magnificently illustrated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells. Drawing upon these two historical traditions, Davis offers a fresh look at Celtic ornamentation, using examples from famous manuscripts, gospels, and other works. "A very useful source for artists."--Library Journal.

Literary Nonfiction. Reporter Eric Poor found himself flying in an antique WWII bomber one day and serving on a panel with a MAD magazine editor the next. He might be climbing a mountain in the snow to interview a man celebrating his 80th birthday and the next day be hitching a flight to Belize. His job as a journalist and photographer brought him countless adventures. Curiosity may have killed a cat but it makes a journalist's motor purr. If you are considering a life in journalism, or are just curious about what a journalist's life is like, this book is for you. The author lays out both the challenges and the rewards, and leaves behind a number of valuable tips—for living and for writing—along the way.

Contains 103 copyright-free Celtic designs and motifs for graphic artists.