The authors examine Irish prehistory from the economic, sociological and artistic viewpoints enabling the reader to comprehend the vast amount of archaeological work accomplished in Ireland over the last twenty years.

Now available in paperback, "Ireland in Prehistory" examines Irish prehistory and presents quite a different picture than was believed half a century ago. Michael Herity and George Eogan's comprehensive survey--using not only the archaeological evidence but incorporating economic, sociological and artistic viewpoints as well--allows the ordinary reader, as well as the student, to comprehend the vast amount of archaeological work that has been accomplished in Ireland over the last twenty years.

The complex of passage tombs at Knowth is dated c. 3200-2900 BC, and this volume deals with one of the most significant aspects of the site. It presents a complete catalogue of the 390 recorded carved stones at Knowth, through descriptions, drawings and photographs. Six main styles of art have been identified and these are discussed, together with the motifs and techniques employed. The Knowth carvings constitute c. 46% of all such art in Ireland, and the volume sets the Knowth art in the context of the other Irish carvings, those in western and northern Britain, and also the somewhat earlier art found on megalithic tombs in Atlantic Europe.