In this slim, lavishly illustrated volume, Carver summarises much of what we know about the Picts from contemporary written sources and from what can be surmised from the archaeological evidence currently available. The text is laudably free from romantic speculation; indeed a judicious degree of caution is evident throughout. Rather than tackle the thorny question of the limits of Pictish territory, Carver contents himself with the plain notice “the eastern part of Scotland, called here Pictland..” before going on to describe the nature of the available evidence on Pictish culture. In short, concise sections on topics such as the meaning of the symbols or on where the Picts came from, he makes plain that there has been or is still a deal of scholarly debate in many areas of Pictish studies.

The artist’s sketches illustrating aspects of Pictish life worked less well for this reader than the many maps, plans of sites and photographs of sites, stones and artefacts which are well chosen to bring to life the nature of the evidence which Carver presents.

The presentation and clarity of style combine to make this a very useful introduction to the current state of knowledge about the Picts, and one that can easily be enjoyed by any non-specialist.

Sheila Hainey