During the fifth and sixth centuries AD a magnificent art flowered in Britain and Ireland. Arguably it was one of the most accomplishes to ever emerge out of barbarian Europe.

Despite claims to the contrary, this art owed as much to Roman as to La Tene Celtic traditions. The art is astonishing, exuberant yet based on careful geometric layout. First developed in Britain, it reached its greatest heights in Ireland from the seventh century on wards and was revitalized by Vikings to survive both Ireland and Britain until the Normans.

This book which was the first to deal with the art of the period both in Ireland and Britain, discusses both metalwork and manuscripts and sets them in the wider perspective of the artistic traditions of the time.