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Uncle Barbar TOP 500 REVIEWER 5.0 out of 5 stars
Just the book I have been waiting for!
13 October 2018
I have been waiting for a comprehensive guide to the Stones of Britain and Ireland for years - I've got one that's about 20 years old but it doesn't cover them comprehensively enough or in enough detail (or with enough pictures for my liking but this one is just the ticket!
The book starts with (unsurprisingly) the Introduction to stones, the various periods in which they proliferated, the various types of stones: circles, chambered tombs, dolmens, ccausewayed enclosures, barrows, cairns, houses etc
The main section is divided into the areas of Britain – hence they are The West of England, South of England, Midlands and East England, North of England, Isle of Man, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Each site has a description of where it is, what it is, map refs, a colour photo etc. There are many places I have already visited and also hundreds I have yet to explore. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have this to hand for when I do my Ireland and Wiltshire trips next year!! A very easy 5 stars for me!
Dolphin 5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative guide to more than just Stonehenge
2 October 2018
This is a fabulous guide to some of the Megalithic sites in the UK with some appropriately atmospheric photographs accompanying some of the descriptions, although sadly not all. The sites are listed alphabetically within counties, so finding something close to where you live or are visiting is more straightforward.
It is a weighty guide and not one that I would pack in my rucksack on a day out to view a monument but a quality reference source to use beforehand as well as for ad-hoc browsing. There are 416 pages including foreword and index and a decent amount of coverage of Stonehenge without it being overpowering in a book that lists over 1,000 lesser known sites.
For me, although we have standing stones about a mile down the road, those are not listed but there are a couple of sites within ten miles that I will now be off to see. This is a great guide to add to an archaeological collection and would make a good gift for anyone with an interest in the subject.
Bill Nimoy VINE VOICE 4.0 out of 5 stars
A Guide to Megalithic sites.
10 October 2018
Wherever you live in Britain there is sure to be a Neolithic site near you - possibly one you may not have heard of before. This book separates Neolithic sites into their respective regions. The more complex the site, the more information devoted to it. Stonehenge has six pages devoted to it whereas less famous sites, such as the stones at East Pinford, have less than half a page.
It's interesting that the book considers Maiden Castle in Dorset a Neolithic site - and rightly so - yet excludes Hod Hill in the same county and Cadbury Castle in the neighbouring county of Somerset. The Sweet Track at Shapwick near Glastonbury is briefly examined in the book, even though there is nothing Neolithic left to see there - only a minor reconstruction of the elevated pathway. This book should be considered a guide to the Megalithic sites of Britain and much less of a comprehensive guide to all prehistoric sites.
RJP Book Boy TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 starsAn excellent well written and up to date guide to the sites.
12 October 2018
This is a large paperback book covering the Megalithic sites of Britain and Ireland.
Book design.
A lot of thought has gone into the design of the book. It is divided into counties. Each site is given a map reference and directions of how to find it along with the nearest point of population. The individual features is then described and the latest research and findings presented. Major digs and rebuilds are also included. The text is very interesting for someone like me who always like s to visit these sites when I travel around.
Each structure contains diagrams, maps and photographs to support the text.
Language.
The book is very well written in an accessible way. Living in Cornwall I am spoilt for sites both major and minor and this book is a great help during my explorations. It will be a constant reference for me. There is also a list of references and further reading.
Overall.
A great book for those interested in British archaeology and all t5he wonderful sites we have. The author has done a great job ibn describing them and this is a must have nook if you like to visit them. Highly recommended.
Rachel Green (author) VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars
Indexed by County
28 October 2018
Lovely book, great to keep in the car. There were several ancient monuments in Derbyshire we were not previously aware of, and we can plan to see a lot more when we travel, too.
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