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Archaeology / History Book Reviews |
Prehistoric Astronomy and Ritualby Aubrey BurlPublished by Shire Books £4.99 |
Shire Publications produced over fifty books on archaeological and historical topics, each dealing with essential facts on the particular subject written by a recognised authority on that subject. Within the book the author looks at various sites, two are looked at in some detail. The first is at Ballochroy in Argyll which consists of a row of stones and a large cairn. The second site is at Callanish in the outer Hebrides which comprises of a 12 metre stone circle, three short rows of stones and a large stone avenue. Both sites have had various astronomical alignments attributed to them. Although later investigations and conflicting theories throws some doubt on some of these alignments. The British Isles covers over 10 degrees in Latitude and depending on where you are sun rise at the solstice's can vary up to 15 degrees. The rest of the book covers sites around Britain constructed between 4000 BC and 1250 BC. An example in Wales can be found in Parc Y Meirw in Dyfed (Grid Ref SM 999259). The book concludes with a list of interesting sites, a glossary and a guide to further reading. The text is well supported by drawings, sketches and black and white photographs. This is the first book I've read on this subject and found it most enlightening to read.
This book is a study of astronomy and astrology of pre-classical north western Europe. It uses ancient manuscripts, explores similarities between classical and Celtic Gods, and the association of each with the constellations. To complete the picture historical astronomical events are also examined. The book is well illustrated with star and constellation maps, as well as line drawings to supplement the text. All the main constellation's including the signs of the Zodiac are examined in some depth with associated deities, myths and legends. One chapter, for example, concentrates on the constellation of Pegasus. It is firstly associated with the Uffington White horse and its associated legends, then the Goddesses Rhiannon and Epona. Finally there are selection of Celtic horse tales. "In medieval Wales, rich families would give a horse to be sacrificed to Saint George ….in order to obtain the Saints blessing on all their other horses." "In Wales the mummers horses were the Hodening Horse or the Mari Llwyd …. It was a horse skull on a stick worked by a man under a white sheet." Finally the author looks at the planets and moons of our solar system together with their mythological heavenly counterparts. The legends are very interesting and informative, although some prior knowledge of astronomy or astrology would be an advantage.
A comprehensive reference work from a well known author. This excellent book is of equal use to those interested in archaeology, art history or Celtic religions. It looks at a multitude of archaeological finds and how they relate to each other and what we know of the faith of the Celts. The book looks at a variety of examples from all the Celtic world and influences and unions with different cultures such as the Roman empire. After a prologue giving an overview of symbolism of art form in the Celtic world, it moves on to more specific themes. Firstly the author examines singular Goddesses and the wealth of representations in all their aspects. It stresses the importance of the mother cult to tribal peoples and looks at a variety of types of Goddesses in depth i.e. Epona, Snake Goddess, Mistress of the beasts and the Mother Goddess. The divine marriage and the image of the God are treated in similar depth. The next sections deal with symbolism of the natural world and contains stunning photographs of artefacts including the fine detail of a bronze seventh century cult wagon. Around 8 inches in length it shows detailed figures bearing antlers. Sections are included on the sun and sky Gods and the sanctity and symbolism of trees. This shows us the sensitivity the Celts had to their natural environment. The author continues looking at the importance of triads and multiple images and finishes on the topic of style and belief. I have found this book to be extremely useful and I know people from many disciplines and view points have found it an invaluable read. It is well illustrated with over one hundred pictures, sketches and maps.
Thorn
Animals in Celtic Life and Myth By Miranda GreenPublished by Routledge £14.99 |
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Another excellent book from Miranda Green. After reviewing Symbols & Images in Celtic Religious Art, I was surprised to find that this new book is even better. Its 240 Plus pages contain a wealth of information on the importance of animals to the Celts and it is very well illustrated with line art, sketches and photographs. The author draws together documentary, archaeological and iconographical sources to paint an image of the Celts way of life and their relationship with animals. The book is divided into sections dealing with different aspects of Celtic life. The first three chapters deal with the importance of animals to the Celtic economy, both domestic animals such as horses and stock. There is also evidence of deer management and of animals hunted for food. Dietary evidence shows the Celts enjoyed a rich diversity in their diet including dog meat, although dogs were primarily kept for hunting. A good portion of the book deals with animals used in ritual and the link made between the Celts, their animals and their Gods. We are told that animals were often used as means of foretelling the future by omens, both through their behaviour and by their entrails after sacrifice. Examples are given of the use of sacrificed animals as grave goods, some more important graves having many animals of different species. The final section of the book deals with the association of animals with the Gods; dogs with death and the hunt and Epona's bond with the horse. These and other animals such as birds, bears, boars, bulls and snakes are covered. The book as a whole is of interest to many different disciplines but reading it as a pagan gives you a feel for the vital spiritual link between the Celtic people and their animals.
Thorn
Human Bones in ArchaeologyAnn StirlingPublished By Shire Books, 64 Pages |
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Another of Shires excellent pocket guides, the author is an anthropologist and palaeopathologist who edits the International Journal of Ostoearchaeology. Skimming through the book it looks more like a medical textbook than an archaeological one.
The first two chapters deal with the identification of bones and likely condition depending on soil types of burial. It then goes on to recording and measurement. Interesting points including determing sex of remains and age of skeletons by tooth development.
An introduction to Paleopathology is given with examples of diseases but the subject is vast and would require a large tome in itself.
Finally a number of case studies are explored including the authors PhD work on the wreck of the Mary Rose.
An interesting and educational book which gives a good introduction to the subject.
Discovering Prehistoric EnglandA gazeteer of prehistoric sitesJames DyerPublished By Shire Books, 245 Pages |
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As the title suggests this work is primarily a reference work detailing sites in England it is subdivided by county and each entry consists of a concise description, Ordnance Survey Grid Reference and an indication of the period of occupation. Monuments from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age are listed as well as entries from Roman Britain and the Dark Ages.
The book starts with an overview of different field monuments, Over 600 sites are detailed covering a period of around 350,000 years. The text is well supported by photographs and sketch county maps are provided which give an excellent understanding of monuments in the archaeological landscape.
I feel this book is of iinterest to a number of people from walkers who enjoy the history around us to those of us who have a thirst for Archaeology.