For over a thousand years--from before the birth of Christ until the Anglo-Norman invasions of the 12th century--the Celts held sway over the five kingdoms of Ireland. They left an enduing legacy, from the ancient site of Navan Fort to the carved crosses of Monasterboice, and of course The Book of Kells, with its wonderfully intricate and imaginative art, set the benchmark for what we recognize today as the definitive Celtic style. Drawing on both archeological evidence and the classic tales of legendary heroes such as C#65533; Chulainn, and illustrated with important artifacts and evocative landscape photography, this introduction to Irish history paints a compelling portrait of a most fascinating people and society.