Description
Book SynopsisThis volume provides a full analytical catalogue of all known pre-Norman sculpture from this region. As little documentary evidence survives from the area, the sculpture is vital to understanding the early development of the Church, the shifting relationships between communities, and the ways in which political affiliations gave access to a variety of cultural centers across England, Ireland, mainland Europe and Scandinavia. Among the significant carvings are the crosses at Sandbach with their elaborate figural sculpture and the delicate carvings from Halton and Hornby in the Lune valley. Much of the work is of the 10th- and 11th-century Viking period, and shows an intriguing mixture of Scandinavian-derived motifs alongside Christian iconography.Introductory chapters set the material within its historical, topographical and art-historical context.
Trade ReviewThis is an impeccably researched and produced volume which makes an important contribution to our understanding of the ecclesiastical and socio-economic history of the north-west. * Grenville Astill, Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
a gold mine of information and analysis... Bailey's volume is an erudite, essential reference work, and successful because it inspires more questions and research directions about the material. * Meggen M. Gondek, English Historical Review *
this volume offers a very welcome addition to the CASSS series and early medieval stone sculpture studies as a whole ... the volume will encourage greater scholarly debate about the region's sculpture. The quality of the descriptive information and accompanying photographs ensures the assemblage is wholly accessible for the first time and Bailey's meticulous biographical research will enable those of us who wish to set monuments within their landscape context, the opportunity to do so on a regional and national scale. * Joanne Kirton, Early Medieval Europe *
