Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Looks at the development of Celtic art, shows examples of bronze, iron, gold, and stone carvings, and discusses Celtic culture.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface to the Revised Edition (p. 6)
• Introduction (p. 9)
• 1 The Antecedents of Celtic Iron Age Art (p. 25)
• 2 The Chieftainly Art of the Early La Tene Celts (p. 51)
• 3 The Arts of Expansion (p. 107)
• 4 The Sword Bearers: The Celts of the Later Third and Second Centuries BC (p. 123)
• 5 Cities, Centralization and Coinage (p. 153)
• 6 Insular Pre-Roman Celtic Art (p. 189)
• 7 Into the Christian Era (p. 243)
• 8 The Stone Knight and the Golden Bough: a Decade of New Discoveries (p. 257)
• Chronological Table (p. 278)
• Bibliography (p. 279)
• Sources of Illustrations (p. 299)
• Index (p. 303)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The study of the aesthetically endowed objects made and cherished by the Celtic peoples of Europe in late prehistoric times until the Viking era has emerged during the latter half of this century as a legitimate academic field, with prominent representatives appearing in Germany, France, and Britain. The authors of Celtic Art are the leaders of the "British School," although one occupies a post in Australia and works from a perspective with strong ties to the anthropological analysis of art. Most works on Celtic art stop at Roman times, but this one continues with the artwork of "Celtic Libera" and thus makes connections with the Irish, Welsh, and Scottish art during the migration and early Christian periods. The authors also include the Golden Warrior fubula from pre-Roman Iberia, a piece so remarkable that even the experts are awed by it. The quality and format of the publication is appropriate for an artistic subject, with color as well as black-and-white plates. The clear, jargon-shy prose can communicate interestingly to a wide range of readers. -R. M. Rowlett, University of Missouri--Columbia

Booklist Review

The marvelous interlacing artwork of the Celts finds admirers among those with an ethnic connection to that ancient people, as well as those who love graceful, stylized patterns. The Megaws' volume offers an excellent collection of Celtic work for such enthusiasts. There are enough famous, oft-reproduced works (the Gundustrup caldron, the Desborough spiral mirror) to make this book a good selection for libraries without another title on the subject, but there are so many unusual and gorgeous artifacts (Yugoslavian torcs, British dragon brooches, Irish stone figures) that it would also be a good addition to any general art collection, however extensive. Index. --Pat Monaghan

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Vincent Megaw is currently Professor of Visual Arts and Archaeology, Flinders University, Adelaide, and Visiting Professor in the Department of Archaeology, University of Edinburgh; he is also Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow, a position he shares with his wife, Ruth Megaw, who is also a Visiting Scholar at Flinders University