Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In the first major work on the subject for over 30 years, Nancy Edwards provides a critical survey of the archaeological evidence in Ireland (c. 400-1200), introducing material from many recently discovered sites as well as reassessing the importance of earlier excavations. Beginning with an assessment of Roman influence, Dr Edwards then discusses the themse of settlement, food and farming, craft and technology, the church and art, concluding with an appraisal of the Viking impact.

The archaeological evidence for the period is also particularly rich and wide-ranging and our knowledge is expanding repidly in the light of modern techniques of survey and excavation.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Illustrations
• A Note on Radiocarbon Dates
• Preface
• 1 The Roman Impact
• 2 Settlement: Ring-Forts
• 3 Other Settlement Types
• 4 Food and Farming
• 5 Craft, Exchange and Trade
• 6 The Church
• 7 Art
• 8 The Vikings
• References
• Bibliography
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Edwards's book is the best of its type to appear in a long time. Although the photographs and plans are unexceptional, the text is a superb synthesis of the period from St. Patrick's conversion of the island until the arrival of the Normans. Edwards (University College of North Wales) offers lucid, up-to-date analyses of many formerly unclear features--ring forts (defended residences, the most numerous extant structures of the whole period), souterrains (underground chambers), crannogs (lake dwellings), ogham stones, round towers, and high crosses. There is a comprehensive treatment of small finds, including treasure hoards and church plate such as the recently discovered and exquisite Derrynaflan chalice and paten of about 850 CE. The last decade's most exciting archaeological revelation--the extensive, well-preserved remains of Viking Dublin--gains a valuable explanation that places it in the context of insular and Continental developments. For all libraries with even passing interests in European history, art, and archaeology. -E. J. Kealey, College of the Holy Cross

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Nancy Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Wales, Bangor. She has published widely on Ireland and Wales in the early Middle Ages and is especially interested in the ecclesiastical archaeology and art of the period.