📖 Overview
Donald Jackson is a British calligrapher and illuminator best known for serving as the artistic director of The Saint John's Bible project, the first completely handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery since the invention of the printing press.
Jackson holds the position of official scribe and calligrapher to the Crown Office of the United Kingdom, appointed to this role by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985. Throughout his career, he has created numerous significant works including royal documents, major artworks, and educational materials about calligraphy.
His masterwork, The Saint John's Bible, took over 13 years to complete (1998-2011) and involved a team of calligraphers and artists working under his direction. The project combined traditional materials and techniques with modern themes and imagery, using quill pens, handmade inks, and gold leaf alongside contemporary artistic interpretations.
Jackson has authored several influential books on calligraphy and has taught extensively at his studio in Wales. His work is held in major collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, The British Library, and The Newberry Library in Chicago.
👀 Reviews
Reviews and discussion of Donald Jackson focus primarily on his work on The Saint John's Bible and his calligraphy instruction books.
Readers appreciate:
- Clear, detailed technical instruction in his calligraphy books
- Integration of modern and traditional elements in The Saint John's Bible
- The quality of materials and craftsmanship in his work
- His ability to make calligraphy accessible to beginners
Common criticisms:
- Limited availability and high cost of The Saint John's Bible
- Some instruction books considered too basic for advanced calligraphers
- Technical focus over artistic expression in teaching materials
Ratings and Reviews:
- "The Story of Writing" (book) - 4.2/5 on Amazon (42 reviews)
- "The Saint John's Bible: A Biography" - 4.7/5 on Goodreads (31 reviews)
- Several reviews mention his calligraphy workshops as "transformative" but "expensive"
One reader noted: "Jackson's technical precision is unmatched, but his books could include more creative exercises." Another wrote: "The Saint John's Bible changed how I view sacred texts - worth every penny to see in person."
📚 Books by Donald Jackson
Valley Men (1964)
A novel set in the San Joaquin Valley following three generations of a farming family as they deal with changes in agriculture and society.
Gold Dust (1966) Historical fiction depicting life in a California mining town during the 1850s gold rush period.
Los Mesteños: Spanish Ranching in Texas, 1721-1821 (1986) A historical study examining Spanish colonial ranching practices and their influence on Texas cattle culture.
The Horse in America: A Chronicle (1970) A historical account tracing the development and impact of horses in North America from Spanish colonial times through the 20th century.
Exploration of the Northwest Coast (1976) A detailed history of maritime exploration along the Pacific Northwest coastline between 1500-1800.
Among the Sleeping Giants: Occasional Pieces on Lewis and Clark (1987) A collection of essays analyzing various aspects of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Gold Dust (1966) Historical fiction depicting life in a California mining town during the 1850s gold rush period.
Los Mesteños: Spanish Ranching in Texas, 1721-1821 (1986) A historical study examining Spanish colonial ranching practices and their influence on Texas cattle culture.
The Horse in America: A Chronicle (1970) A historical account tracing the development and impact of horses in North America from Spanish colonial times through the 20th century.
Exploration of the Northwest Coast (1976) A detailed history of maritime exploration along the Pacific Northwest coastline between 1500-1800.
Among the Sleeping Giants: Occasional Pieces on Lewis and Clark (1987) A collection of essays analyzing various aspects of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
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