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Heritage Program:
Frequently Asked Questions
March 28, 2008
1.
What is the Heritage Program of The Saint John’s Bible?
The Heritage Program is
the only full-size, fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible.
There are four signed and limited editions. Each edition includes a volume
of commentary.
Three
editions are reserved for benefactors to the Heritage Program and The
Saint John’s Bible:
The
Apostles Edition
– seven volume sets reserved for donors who make new gifts to Saint John’s
University in support of the Heritage Program and The Saint John’s Bible.
Prophets Edition
– seven volume sets reserved for donors who increase a current gift to
The Saint John’s Bible in support of the Heritage Program and The
Saint John’s Bible.
Patriarchs Edition
– five volume sets reserved for donors who make new gifts to Saint John’s
University in support of the Heritage Program and The Saint John’s Bible,
but who are particularly interested in the first five volumes of the set.
All three Benefactor
Editions are limited to 12 sets and include an original work of art by
Donald Jackson, a handcrafted dedication page, and a cabinet designed and
built by the Abbey Woodworking Shop. Each volume will be signed personally
by Donald Jackson.
Heritage Edition -
Both the five
volume and seven volume sets are available for direct purchase by
subscription. There are 299 sets in the seven volume Heritage Edition and
25 sets in the five volume Heritage Edition.
2. Why create
reproductions of The Saint John’s Bible?
Since the inception of
The Saint John’s Bible more than 10 years ago, two of the major goals
have been to share The Saint John’s Bible worldwide and make it
accessible to everyone.
At the
genesis of this project, we imagined creating a limited edition, fine art
reproduction of The Saint John's Bible, complete with a commentary
volume.
3. Is the Heritage
Program the only fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible?
Yes, the Heritage Program
is the only fine art reproduction and will be limited to 360 sets. There
are smaller reproduction volumes of The Saint John’s Bible which are
available at bookstores and from Saint John’s University, but the Heritage
Program is the only full-size, fine art reproduction that will be published.
4. How close to the original is the reproduction?
This is a reproduction of
the original work - a new work of printed art which keeps intact the
artistic intent of the original. The reproduction has involved the finest
printing experts and binders to ensure faithful representation of the
original manuscript. Each page and illumination has been scrupulously
compared to its original counterpart to guarantee accurate reproduction.
Donald Jackson, the artistic director of The Saint John’s Bible, is
art directing the Heritage Program.
5. How many sets of the Heritage Program of The Saint John’s Bible
will be created?
The Heritage Program is
limited to 360 sets. A commentary is provided with each set.
6. What was the process used to produce the reproductions?
The editions of the
Heritage Program are printed on 100% cotton paper without whiteners,
brighteners or fillers using lightfast ultraviolet inks. Each color is
dried instantaneously on press before the next color is laid on allowing for
exacting reproduction of the detail in each illumination. Gold and silver
treatments use gold and silver foils to replicate the gold and silver of the
illuminations.
7. Who is acquiring the reproductions?
Private collectors and
institutions are acquiring the reproductions. These volumes are the perfect
capstone for any collection of fine art or books. They make wonderful gifts
from individuals or groups to their churches or synagogues. Likewise, the
editions of the Heritage Program are finding their way into colleges,
universities and seminary libraries, reminding all who see the volumes of
the long history of both Bible and book, and of their eternal significance.
8. How are the reproductions being purchased?
The
reproductions are available by making a new gift to Saint John’s University
in support of the Heritage Program and The Saint John’s Bible
(Apostles Edition and Patriarchs Edition); by increasing a current gift to
Saint John’s University in support of the Heritage Program and The Saint
John’s Bible (Prophets Edition); or by subscription purchase (Heritage
Edition).
9. How is Saint John’s using the sales proceeds from the reproductions?
Proceeds from the sales of
reproductions of The Saint John’s Bible will fund student
scholarships, the continuing preservation of endangered manuscripts
worldwide, a permanent home for The Saint John’s Bible and scholarly
work related to this monumental masterpiece.
10. How are the reproductions being authenticated?
Each
set will be signed by Donald Jackson. The Benefactors Editions will include
a handcrafted dedication page as well.
The unique
aspect of the Bible is that it will be a Bible for our time. It will be a
combination of ancient methods and materials with themes, images and
technology of the 21st century and beyond. The Saint John’s Bible
will represent humankind’s achievements over the past 500 years. It will
be a contemporary blending of religious imagery
from various Eastern and Western traditions, as befits our modern
understanding of the global village. This Bible reflects Saint John’s
commitment to Scripture and to the Book Arts, as well as to spiritual,
artistic, educational and scholarly programming.
When
people see the Bible they are immediately impressed by the sheer physicality
of The Saint John’s Bible. Most have never seen a book this large.
Most have never seen such an endless stream of elegant script. Most have
seen neither gold-leaf nor pages of vellum to which it is applied. Too many
are accustomed to Bibles that feature cramped type on onion-skin paper, and
so they never anticipate the spacious pages and the carefully-planned
arrangement of text that invites one to linger over phrases, words and even
letters. This Bible literally presents the Word of God as something special.
The Saint John’s Bible
Frequently Asked Questions
April 22, 2004
- Why has Saint John’s University
commissioned a handwritten Bible? What is the significance of a
handwritten Bible?
- What is the history of handwritten
Scriptures? Are they still created today?
- What will make this Bible unique?
- Why Saint John’s Abbey and University?
- What role does Saint John’s play in the
creation of the Bible project?
- What is the goal of The Saint John’s Bible?
Who do you intend to reach, and what message are you trying to convey?
- Why did Saint John’s University chosen
Donald Jackson as the calligraphic artist for The Saint John’s Bible? Why
wasn’t an American artist chosen for the Project?
- Where is Donald Jackson’s scriptorium
located? Does he work alone or in collaboration with other calligraphers?
- Why have you chosen to use the New Revised
Standard Version of the Bible?
- When will the Bible be completed? What
will be its dimensions?
- What are the plans for the Bible? How will
it be used?
- What other religious traditions have played a role in
the formation of The Saint John’s Bible?
- Does the impact of this project justify the tremendous
amount of time, energy and money that could potentially be spent in other
beneficial ways?
- Will this book be available for sale in some form?
- How are people staying in touch with the creation of
the Bible?
- Could this be considered an antiquated exercise that
does not address the needs of Christians today?
- What effect can one handwritten Bible have? Why
haven’t you chosen to do something more contemporary, such as publishing
this Bible on the World Wide Web?
- How can I support this project?
Q1. Why has Saint John’s University commissioned a
handwritten Bible? What is the significance of a handwritten Bible?
- Igniting spiritual imagination
- Using ancient techniques
- Incorporating modern methods and themes
At the onset of a new millennium, Saint John’s University and the monks
of Saint John’s Abbey are seeking to ignite the spiritual imagination of
people throughout the world by commissioning a work of art that illuminates
the world today. This will be the first time in 500 years that a Benedictine
Monastery has commissioned a handwritten, illuminated Bible. Its
construction will parallel that of its medieval predecessors, written on
vellum, using quills, natural handmade inks, hand-ground pigments and gold
leaf while incorporating modern themes, images and technology of the 21st
century.
Q2. What is the history of handwritten Scriptures? Are
they still created today?
- Christian tradition
- The other two monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Islam (as well as other
religious traditions.)
As far as we know, the last complete handwritten, illuminated Bible was
commissioned shortly after the invention of the printing press at the end of
the 15th century. Although Judaism continues the practice of the handwritten
Torah, and Islam does so with the Qu’ran, Western Christianity has virtually
discontinued the practice of handwritten Bibles since the invention of the
printing press. It should be noted that Buddhism and Hinduism also have a
calligraphic tradition.
{ top of page } Q3. What will
make this Bible unique?
- It is the first handwritten, illuminated Bibles commissioned by a
Benedictine Monastery in 500
years
- Combination of ancient methods and materials with modern themes,
images and technology
- Reflection of Saint John’s commitment to Scripture and the Book Arts
- Source of spiritual, artistic, educational and scholarly programming
- Most people have never seen a book this large.
- Most have never seen such an endless stream of elegant script.
- Most have seen neither gold-leaf nor pages of vellum to which it is
applied.
The unique aspect of the Bible is that it will be a Bible for our time.
It will be a combination of ancient methods and materials with themes,
images and technology of the 21st century and beyond. The Saint John’s
Bible will represent humankind’s achievements over the past 500 years. It
will be a contemporary blending of religious imagery from various Eastern
and Western traditions, as befits our modern understanding of the global
village. This Bible reflects Saint John’s commitment to Scripture and to the
Book Arts, as well as to spiritual, artistic, educational and scholarly
programming.
When people see the Bible they are immediately impressed by the sheer
physicality of The Saint John’s Bible. Most have never seen a book
this large. Most have never seen such an endless stream of elegant script.
Most have seen neither gold-leaf nor pages of vellum to which it is applied.
Too many are accustomed to Bibles that feature cramped type on onion-skin
paper, and so they never anticipate the spacious pages and the
carefully-planned arrangement of text that invites one to linger over
phrases, words and even letters. This Bible literally presents the Word of
God as something special.
Q4. Why Saint John’s Abbey and University?
- Building on Benedictine heritage
- Natural expansion of the Book Arts programs sponsored by Saint John’s
and Saint Benedict’s
For fifteen hundred years, Benedictine monasteries have acted as
producers and protectors of books. In keeping with that heritage, Saint
John’s has become an international center of the Book Arts. Saint John’s has
well established programs celebrating the history of the book, including the
Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML), Arca Artium, and the Rare Books
Collection. Scholars from all over the world conduct research using the
resources at Saint John’s. Its partner in education, The College of Saint
Benedict, has its own Books Arts Program, in which it works closely with
Graywolf Publishing. The Saint John’s Bible continues that tradition.
The process of creating the Bible incorporates ancient art forms with modern
techniques in a joint celebration of the traditional arts of bookmaking and
modern science and sensibility.
{ top of page } Q5. What role
does Saint John’s play in the creation of the Bible project?
- Monks, faculty, administrators and staff
- Committee On Illumination and Text (CIT)
Saint John’s is not only the patron of the Bible, but has played a vital
role in assembling the team of advisors, faculty, theologians,
administrative staff, and artists that are collaborating on this project.
Saint John’s Committee on Illumination and Text (CIT) decides which passages
of the Bible will be illuminated and work with Donald Jackson, calligraphic
artist, on the imagery used to depict these scripture passages, with an eye
to interpreting them for our time.
Q6. What is the goal of The Saint John’s Bible? Who do
you intend to reach, and what message are you trying to convey?
- To ignite spiritual imagination throughout the world
- To develop programs related to The Saint John’s Bible in
spirituality, art and education
- To bring alive the Word of God in the new millennium
The goal of The Saint John’s Bible is to ignite the spiritual
imagination of all peoples throughout the world by commissioning a work of
art that illuminates the Word of God for a new millennium, in a way that is
relevant to the 21st century. It is a prophetic witness to the Word of God
in our day and beyond, an opportunity for learning and scholarship and a
dignified expression of the Benedictine vision: "That in all things God may
be glorified.”
Q7. Why did Saint John’s University choose Donald
Jackson as the calligraphic artist for The Saint John’s Bible? Why wasn’t an
American artist chosen for the Project?
- It was Donald Jackson’s lifelong dream to handwrite the Bible
- Mr. Jackson’s leadership role in Calligraphy workshops at Saint John’s
- One of the world’s foremost Western calligraphers
- Scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office at the House of
Lords
- Global perspective
During an interview with Barbara Walters on The Today Show in 1970,
Donald Jackson expressed his life's dream. When asked about his ultimate
ambition, he indicated that one day he would like to write the Bible. Later
he described it this way: "The Bible is the calligraphic artist's supreme
challenge (our Sistine Chapel), a daunting task." Donald Jackson is
considered one of the world’s foremost Western calligraphers and has trained
and encouraged many of America’s top calligraphers. He has a long and
illustrative relationship with Saint John’s. For more than two decades, he
has led seminars and workshops hosted by Saint John’s for the
internationally recognized Calligraphy Connection. A Member of the Victorian
Order, he is scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office at the
House of Lords. His education included six years of specialization in
Calligraphy, Lettering and Bookbinding. Mr. Jackson brings a global
perspective to The Saint John’s Bible Project. He has said this
project is his “Sistine Chapel,” and together we are committed to completing
this historic undertaking.
{ top of page } Q8. Where is
Donald Jackson’s scriptorium located? Does he work alone or in collaboration
with other calligraphers?
- Working in Wales with other calligraphers and artisans
- Working at Saint John’s with artists and theologians
Donald Jackson’s scriptorium is located in Wales where he spends most of
his time working on The Saint John’s Bible. He leads a team of
calligraphers writing and illuminating the Bible. The team is made up of
skilled scribes, some who work at the scriptorium and others who take pages
of vellum back to their own studios. Mr. Jackson comes to Saint John’s on a
regular basis. There he consults with the Committee on Illumination and
Text, meets with friends of the project and spends time on the Saint John’s
campus.
Q9. Why have you chosen to use the New Revised
Standard Version of the Bible?
- Christian scholars from the major churches
- Theologically sound
The translation of the Bible known as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
was chosen for The Saint John’s Bible for a number of reasons. Its
predecessor, the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, had the distinction
of being officially authorized for use by most major Christian churches:
Protestant, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. Also, NRSV is a
modern English translation with a strong literal tradition. It employs
gender-inclusive language for references to men and women, usually done in a
non-obtrusive manner.
Q10. When will the Bible be completed? What will be
its dimensions?
- Gospel and Acts of Apostles (the first volume to be completed) May
2002
- Last volume—end of 2009
- A total of seven volumes, each 15 ¾” wide by 23 ½” tall when closed
- Total number of pages, approximately 1,150
Gospels and Acts of the Apostles was the first volume of The Saint John’s
Bible to be written; completed in May 2002. Pentateuch was completed in
August 2003 and the Book of Psalms was completed in April 2004, Prophets was
completed in April 2005. Wisdom Books was completed in July of 2006.
There are two more volumes to complete — Historical Books and Letters and
Revelation. The final completion is scheduled for the end of 2009. Binding into the
seven volumes will not take place until all pages are complete and the
national exhibition program has ended. The Bible in seven volumes will be
large for liturgical and exhibition purposes (15 ¾” wide by 23 ½” tall when
closed).
{ top of page } Q11. What are
the plans for the Bible? How will it be used?
- Liturgy
- Source of educational, religious and artistic programming and
exhibitions
- Documentation for the study of art, creativity and spiritual life
- Exhibition
The Saint John’s
Bible will be used by Saint John’s Abbey and University for liturgical
purposes, as the book from which Scripture will be proclaimed during
important Masses and other celebrations. In addition, the Bible will be a
source for religious, artistic, educational and scholarly programming and
exhibitions. The making of the Bible will be documented, using the latest in
technology, for closer study of art, creativity, and the spiritual life,
including a better understanding of new traditions in bookmaking and
calligraphy. Saint John’s will be the home of The Saint John’s Bible.
A national tour of completed pages will take The Saint John’s Bible
around the country over the next several years. International
exhibitions are also planned with the first one at the Victoria
and Albert Museum in London in 2006.
Q12. What other religious traditions have played a
role in the formation of The Saint John’s Bible?
- Episcopalian, Protestant and Jewish advisors
- Outreach to religious leaders from around the world
Episcopalian, Protestant and Jewish advisors have helped to form the
vision of The Saint John’s Bible, serving as consultants and as
members of committees dedicated to assisting Donald Jackson in the creation
of The Saint John’s Bible.
Q13. Does the impact of this project justify the
tremendous amount of time, energy and money that could potentially be spent
in other beneficial ways?
- Private funding
- Saint John’s commitment to Scripture and Book Arts
- Spiritual, artistic, educational and scholarly programming
- Everlasting impact
At a cost of several million dollars, The Saint John’s Bible
is funded completely through private donations from individuals, groups, and
corporations. It is not financed with University money. In addition, this
project exemplifies Saint John’s commitment to Scripture and the Book Arts
as well as spiritual, artistic, educational and scholarly programming.
Through its spirit and its art and through the programs it inspires, The
Saint John’s Bible has the potential to have a lasting impact upon the
University and Abbey, upon their broader community and, indeed, upon the
entire world.
Q14. Will this book be available for sale in some
form?
- High-end facsimiles
- Trade reproductions
- Books about the project
- Fine art prints
- CD ROM
As part of the mission to make The Saint John’s Bible available to
everyone, the University is currently working on plans to offer the Bible
for sale in several forms: a limited edition of full size facsimiles, trade
reproductions of each volume, a book describing the processes involved, a
book of reflections and fine art prints.
Currently, books, cards, a DVD and fine art prints are available by on-line order at
www.saintjohnsbible.org.
Five trade size (15” x 10”) volumes are now available for retail purchase:
Pentateuch, Psalms , Gospels and Acts, Prophets and Wisdom Books.
Ordering and price information may be obtained from Liturgical Press at
1-800-858-5450 or www.sjbible.org.
{ top of page }
Q15. How are people staying in touch with the
creation of the Bible?
- Newsletter
- Web site
- Presentations
- Displays
- Events
Access to The Saint John’s Bible is available on the Internet.
Those interested in learning more about The Saint John’s Bible, about
the project as a whole and its programming, and about how a person can
become involved in the project, can learn more by visiting The Saint
John’s Bible web site at
www.saintjohnsbible.org or by e-mailing The Saint John’s Bible
at saintjohnsbible@csbsju.edu
Tours, presentation and exhibition inquiries may be directed to Linda Orzechowski at 320-363-3514 or by e-mail
lorzechowsk@csbsju.edu
Q16. Could this be considered an antiquated exercise
that does not address the needs of Christians today?
- Ancient techniques combined with modern themes and technologies
- Lasting legacy
In true Benedictine fashion, The Saint John’s Bible honors
tradition while keeping abreast of the present and keeping an eye on the
future. Using ancient techniques and modern sensibilities and technologies,
the art of The Saint John’s Bible offers a scriptural understanding
of modern themes. This combination offers Saint John’s an opportunity for a
lasting legacy. As Eric Hollas OSB, a monk of Saint John’s Abbey and
Senior Associate of Arts and Cultural Affairs at Saint John’s University said when
asked about the significance of The Saint John’s Bible: “It’s the one
thing we’ll probably be remembered for 500 years from now. The buildings
will go. Most of the buildings that all of us see today are going to be gone
500 years from now. And oddly enough, this one piece of human artistic
achievement, [The Saint John’s Bible] will probably still be here . . .”
{ top of page } Q17. What effect
can one handwritten Bible have? Why haven’t you chosen to do something more
contemporary, such as publishing this Bible on the World Wide Web?
Saint John’s is inspiring people of all cultures and creeds with the
spirit and beauty of this historic undertaking. We plan to reach an even
larger audience through exhibition tours of the Bible to museums and
libraries worldwide. One of the strengths of this project is its connection
to the past and to the future. Contemporary aspects include its reflections
of science, technology and space; its multicultural and interreligious
imagery; and its depiction of women. Advanced technologies have also been
used to create a digital template of the Bible.
Q18. How can I support this project?
As the project continues to reach out to the community at large, we
invite you to participate in The Saint John’s Bible by sponsoring a
part of the Bible and attending an exhibition or event. All benefactors will
receive The Saint John’s Bible newsletter along with announcements
and invitations to various events and activities associated with the
project. Visit
www.saintjohnsbible.org for more information or call 1-800-635-7303 and
ask for JoAnn, in Institutional Advancement.
{ top of page } For additional information,
please contact: Linda Orzechowski
Coordinator of
Public Services and Operations
HMML
Saint John’s University
(320) 363-3514
lorzechowsk@csbsju.edu
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