The features of Insular art produced in Ireland and Scotland are broadly recognisable: monumental ring crosses, energetic animal ornament, interlace, distinctive end elegant lettering. Their moments of glory were around the 9th and late 19th centuries with an efflorescence in the late middle ages too.What happened in between those high moments and caused the revivals? This richly developed book provides a nuanced explanation of the political, religious and social factors which sustained Insular art not only as a distinct style but also through a range of revered objects. It demonstrates how these artefacts perpetuated belief, opinion, ancient knowledge, social status and national identity.