The arts of the first millennium AD must be seen in as wide a context as possible, and Pictish art is no exception. A recently published set of volumes on The High Crosses of Ireland by Peter Harbison should be drawn to the attention of all those interested in the iconographic aspects of Pictish art. The three volumes of this important study incorporate a great deal of information both of a literary and a visual nature.

Peter Harbison, archaeological officer and editor for the Irish Tourist Board in Dublin, has had an important role in bringing the archaeology of Ireland to a wide audience through his Guide to the National Monuments ofIreland (1970), his part in Irish Art and Architecture (1978), and Pre-Christian Ireland: From the First Settlers to the Early Celts(1989)

The High Crosses of Ireland includes a descriptive catalogue of all the high crosses, which will be an invaluable preparation for any future archaeological visitor to Ireland. Perhaps even more valuable from a PAS point of view is the discussion of the iconographical study of themes of Old and New Testament subjects, as well as those relating to later saints like St Paul and St Anthony, that have distinct relevance to the study of Pictish art. Subsequent chapters cover prototypes, inscriptions and dating. The accompanying volume of photographs includes nearly 650 illustrations of the crosses, as general views and as details of the decorative and iconographic panels. Users of The Early Christian Monuments of Scotland will recognise the value of detailed illustration, and Harbison has gathered an impressive series of photographs - many his own. The third volume incorporates nearly 400 illustrations of comparative material from the Franks Casket, to Sorrento via St Vigeans and St Andrews.

This is animportant volume to dip into for all those interested in the Christian aspects of Pictish art and its wider context. At £272.50 it is unlikely to be found on many private shelves, but it may be consulted in libraries, including the National Monuments Record of Scotland at 16 Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh.

J N Graham Ritchie.