<i>Text, Image, Interpretation: Studies in Anglo-Saxon Literature and its Insular Context in Honour of Éamonn Ó Carragáin</i> (review)
Pamela O'Neill
Reviewed by: Text, Image, Interpretation: Studies in Anglo-Saxon Literature and its Insular Context Honour of Éamonn Ó Carragáin Pamela O'Neill Minnis, Alastair Jane Roberts, eds, (Studies the Early Middle Ages, 18), Turnhout, Brepols, 2007; hardback; pp. xxiv, 576; R.R.P. €110.00; ISBN 9782503518190. is a giant early medieval scholarship kind generous scholar, particularly noted for his insightful work on Ruthwell Cross. This volume shows clearly esteem which he held by colleagues students alike, with papers referring respectfully, playfully or gratefully to scholarship, leadership friendship. The book begins foreword Mary Clayton, who sums up perfectly when she recalls him singing Beowulf Irish tune Sliabh na mBan class was part. It ends bibliography Carragáin's works compiled [End Page 233] archaeologist son University College Cork colleague, Tomás Carragáin, showing that contributions studies take many forms. contains 26 outstanding from well-known scholars fields as diverse art history, archaeology, Old English Norse. One can imagine delight at Andy Orchard's delicious title 'Intoxication, Fornication, Multiplication: Burgeoning Text Genesis A', Michael Ryan's dedication 'To memory al fresco celebrations Rome Venice'. However, these are just finishing touches mass thorough presented book, must surely even more. There far too much this review like do it justice, so few comments highlights reviewer will have suffice. first section, 'Looking Outwards', dealing comparisons relationships literature, church dedications material culture. Alan Thacker's article martyr cults their physical manifestations within outside walls traces changing attitudes made possible relics martyrs, originally confined extramural sites accordance pagan tradition, move city walls. an impressive familiarity textual archaeological evidence willingness challenge paradigms. Michelle P. Brown reviews Barberini Gospels characteristic competence, concluding blend local international tastes contributed decoration. Interestingly, argues 'ultimately Northumbrian background' one scribe, but evinces parallels Southumbrian such Gandersheim Casket, Ormside Bowl sculpture central Mercia. Anna Maria Luiselli Fadda examines depictions moment resurrection, giving fascinating account use bird figures visual representations soul, revealing some refreshingly close examination drawing afield Egypt. Alfred Jewel Fuller Brooch examined Charles D. Wright, finds personification sight represented holding flowers. He draws botanical expert establish flowers very accurately depicted. Elizabeth Coatsworth contributes survey embroidered inscriptions, bringing neglected topic fore. She notes apparently small milieu items were manufactured, they predominantly associated female commissioners. second 'Reading Texts', unsurprisingly several 234] articles concerning Dream Rood Vercelli Book located. also reading Hugh Magennis Seafarer, points out unusually individualistic focus poem, arguing Christian purpose feature. Roberts discusses particular reference representation humiliation Hrothgar, argument hinging interpretation pronoun – not uncommon problem studies. A study Húsdrápa Richard North gives interesting fragments poem describing carvings house, extrapolating...
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