Anglo-Saxon Styles

In the introduction to this study the editors argue that the Anglo-Saxon visual and literary arts can not be defined by a single style, but that Anglo-Saxon styles are characterised by ambiguity and a love of complex pattern and surface ornament and, through social and political messages, are meant to stimulate furtehr enquiry from their audience. Using style as a critical tool for investigating the period, the fourteen essays presented here discuss minor arts, monuments, stone scultpure, ivory carvings, manuscripts, poetry and other literary forms. In doing so they seek ways of defining and classifying style, draw attention to how styles can conflict, how it can transmit ideas, symbolise affiliation, they discuss why styles were copied and imitated in art and literature and also look at personal rather than collective or group style.