"This book distils a lifetime's study of Viking art. . . introducing all the intricate and beautiful art styles of the Viking age. It ranges in time from the first major Viking expeditions overseas around AD 800 to the general establishment of Christianity in Scandinavia some 300 years later . . . introduces the geographical and historical background to Viking culture; describes and illustrates the six main Viking art styles, showing how they emerged from and interacted with one another. Delicate metalwork, elaborate wood-carvings and the famous Gotland picture-stones are all discussed. Viking art ranges in scale from ship burials to decorated weapons and finely crafted jewelry; all feature here, alongside Viking architecture and archaeological traces left by Vikings across continental Europe and beyond . . . and examines Viking art in relation to pagan mythology, the conversion to Christianity, and the Viking legacy for later artistic movements"--Adapted from publisher description.
