Across a Dark and Wild Sea by Don Brown. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Brook Press, 2002.

ISBN: 0761315349

St. Columcille was a sixth-century Irish monk and scribe who legends say copied over 300 manuscripts, a legacy that helped keep learning and scholarship alive during the Dark Ages.

Media: Illustrations watercolors.

5Q/4P Followers of Columcille and Diarmait crashed together in a storm of swords and spears (Brown 2002). Across a Dark and Wild Sea  by Don Brown.

D. Guhl Summer 2009

Brown, D. (2002). Across a dark and wild sea. Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 0761315349 4Q/3P

Summary: Columcille of Ireland: prince, scribe, monk, bard. He started a war by copying a book. His guilt led to a self-imposed exile to Scotland. His love of books kept literature alive in the dark ages.

Media: Ink and pen and watercolor on paper.

Curricular connections: Grades 5-8. History, Biography, Art. Creating books by hand, using handmade paper, inks, and pens. Uncial alphabet from book.

KEM 4/29/08