The stave churches are Norway's most important contribution to the European corpus of medieval art. Volume I prsents the decorated remains from t hese churches in catalogue form, with a discussion of each of the more important objects.
Volume II contains the author's reflections on the origins of the various portal designs, their dates, and the organization and craftsmanship behind this particular branch of medieval art.

Professor, doctor of philosophy, Erla Bergendahl Hohler, is Keeper of the Medieval Department of the University Museum of National Antiquities (Universitetets Oldsaksamling), Oslo, Norway.