Celtic Gold: A Treasury of Celtic Art

Of all the civilizations of ancient and early modern Europe, the Celts are surely one of the most elusive and mysterious. A culture remarkably distinct yet little known, they may best be glimpsed through the prism of their art -- the jewelry, weapons, stories, and beautiful illuminated manuscripts they left behind. This book celebrates the Celts in a collection of glorious intricately decorated shields, sword hilts, and scabbards; magnificent necklaces and arm cuffs; and religious relics such as the Ardagh Chalice. Their highly abstract art employed motifs from nature, incorporating such themes as fertility and the Tree of Life into sun-shaped torques or into the elaborate patterns of interlace, animals, and birds that border the Gospel of Lindisfarme or the Book of Kells. Here is a beautiful keepsake book that evokes all the mystery and magic of an important and enigmatic race. 7 1/2" x 8". Color illus.