Fragments of history

<p>Fragments of history: Rethinking the Ruthwell and Bewcastle monuments is an innovative study of the two premier survivals of pre-Viking Anglo-Saxon stone sculpture. Both monuments are rich in finely carved images and complex inscriptions. Though in some way related in this book they have very different histories. <br><br>This ambitious study draws the reader in through a vivid exposition of the problems left by earlier interpretations shows him or her how to understand the monuments as social products in relation to a history of which our knowledge is so fragmentary and concludes with a deeply persuasive discussion of their underlying premises. Orton Wood and Lees bring their research in art history and antiquarianism history and archaeology medieval literature philosophy and gender studies into a successful and coherent whole organised around certain key notions such as place history and tradition style similarity and difference time textuality and identity. <br><br>Theoretically astute rigorously researched vivid and readable Fragments of history is a model of how interdisciplinary research can be conducted written and published. It will be required reading in a number of disciplines including art history Anglo-Saxon studies medieval language and literature history and ecclesiastical history antiquarianism and archaeology.</p>