In the first major work on the subject for over 30 years, Nancy Edwards provides a critical survey of the archaeological evidence, introducing material from many recently discovered sites as well as reassessing the importance of earlier excavations.

In the first major work on the subject for over 30 years, Nancy Edwards provides a critical survey of the archaeological evidence in Ireland (c. 400-1200), introducing material from many recently discovered sites as well as reassessing the importance of earlier excavations. Beginning with an assessment of Roman influence, Dr Edwards then discusses the themse of settlement, food and farming, craft and technology, the church and art, concluding with an appraisal of the Viking impact. The archaeological evidence for the period is also particularly rich and wide-ranging and our knowledge is expanding repidly in the light of modern techniques of survey and excavation.

'Nancy Edwards, writing with sympathy as well as expertise, is fully abreast of both the literature and the important current excavations and surveys' - Times Literary Supplement'This admirable publication is to be welcomed by all who are interested in the study of the early medieval archaeology and history of these islands' - Antiquaries Journal'This book will be a boon both to teachers and the taught. Read it as an essential introduction to the study of early medieval Ireland' - T.E. McNeill, Queen's University, Belfast'Nancy Edwards has done a thorough and balanced appraisal of this diverse evidence; her book is warmly recommended and it will remain a useful text for many years' - Archaeology Ireland'The book is the fullest and the finest work of synthesis yet written on the subject' - Ulster Journal of Archaeology'This volume is warmly recommended both for the general reader and for the specialist to keep and use as a reference book. Anyone looking for a subject to study will find a large number of worthwhile research projects thrown in for good measure. Dr Edwards' book is an impressive peice of work - departments please note, it should be available in all libraries for use by students of the Dark Ages' - Mim Bolaney, University of Cambridge'...provides a comprehensive synthesis of the most recent archaeological evidence for this period as well as a reassessment of earlier work' - The Irish Times'Edwards has placed us all in her debt by producing what may be regarded as the definitive work on the archaeology of early medieval Ireland' - Books Ireland'...well-written and scholarly synthesis' - Terry Barry, Trinity College, Dublin