People, places, objects and language - all are included in what Lloyd and Jennifer Laing bring us to understand by the word 'Celtic'. Together they have researched all aspects of this Multi-faceted and emotive subject, in archeological, historical and art-historical contexts.

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 of flux, reflecting the effects of Roman and Viking invasions an 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.

Lloyd Laing is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Nottingham. Jennifer, his wife, is a former fellow in art history and tutor in Roman archaelogy and art at the University of Liverpool. Between them they have written over twenty books and numerous papers on aspects of art and archaeology. They have a particular interest in Dark Age Britain and Ireland.