by Roger Stalley. ISBN0-946172-56-0
Richly illustrated (22 B+W photos and 16 colour plates) and brief account of the high stone crosses, dating from about 800-1100 AD, with interesting data about specific crosses. Some noteworthy points:
Tradition names the soldiers who held up the sponge and who pierced the side of Christ as Stephaton and Longinus. These two soldiers at the crucifixion appear on many crosses.
The frequent occurrence of Adam+Eve+tree+serpent on the crosses is accounted for by the link enunciated by Fulbert of Chartres: "Christ, the beginning, end, resurrection and life...by hanging from a cross with a tree's help took away the poison that came from a tree, and opened again the closed doors to life."
Another popular scene shows St. Anthony and St. Paul being fed by the raven. These are the desert saints A+P, fathers of monasticism. After long trials, the raven brought them bread from heaven, which links to the Eucharistic sacrifice.
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