Celtic Britain and Ireland

Résumé du livre

Dozens of sites, in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, have turned up numerous treasures of Celtic art, including ceramics, metalwork, manuscripts and coins. Many of the most noteworthy and beautiful, some not previously published, are illustrated and described here in detail, such as the 'Tara' Brooch and the Monymusk Reliquary, along with less well known but equally interesting and attractive pieces. A picture emerges of a society in a continual state of flux, reflecting the effects of Roman and Viking invasions and their influence on the indigenous population. As well as war and peace, religion and commerce are considered as determining forces and we see how these affect regional variations in style and development. The role and status of the artist/craftsman and the objects they produced is also considered, along with the functions of the pieces and the techniques that were used in their creation.