Irish pocket Gospel Book originally from the Abbey of Roscrea, founded by St. Cronan in the County Tipperary, Ireland. In addition to the four Gospels, in between the Gospels of Luke and John, it has an order for the Unction and Communion of the Sick. It was signed by its scribe, Dimma MacNathi, at the end of each of the Gospels. This Dimma has been traditionally identified with the Dimma, who was later Bishop of Connor, mentioned by Pope John IV in a letter on Pelagianism in 640. This identification, however, cannot be sustained. The illumination of the manuscript is limited to illuminated initials, three Evangelist portrait pages and one page with an Evangelist's symbol. In the 12th century the manuscript was encased in a richly gilt case.

The legend for writing the Book was that the Scribe Dimma replied he had but only a day for writing. After forty days and forty nights without food, drink or sleep, he finished the book, however he believed that he had been writing for only one day!

Book of Dimma Illustrations

Illustration 1

	Page (Folio): n/a Portrait of Evangelist Mark
	Vector Clipart See also vector image "Book of Dimma - Portrait of Evangelist Mark"

Illustration 2

	Page (Folio): n/a eagle, symbol of John the Evangelist
	Vector Clipart See also vector image "Book of Dimma - eagle, symbol of John the Evangelist"

Illustration 3

	Page (Folio): n/a man, symbol of Matthew the Evangelist