A guidebook to touring the ancient world is unusual to say the least. Scarre has managed to create one, and it's an admirable job. Sifting a wealth of research, he's produced a string of vignettes depicting archaeological sites available to visitors. He reminds us throughout the book that we have learned a great deal about our ancestors, but there's still much to be achieved. Some sites have room for volunteers to assist in the recovery of buildings, religious centres and graves. It's a thought to keep in mind as you go through the photos and text he's provided for guidance. If you can afford to buy this book, you can probably afford visiting at least one of the locations.
Scarre's opening is also unique in that a location map is provided in the end papers with a chronological chart running along the bottom. If you have an interest in a particular time period, you can determine which sites are represented. On the other hand, if you want to visit a particular site, you can determine where it stands in the course of history. It's an effective beginning for this special book. Reading this book should be incentive enough to visit one or more of the sites. The maps show both the layout of the find and its relationship to the surrounding area. The photography is exquisite, complemented by numerous useful diagrams. A short "Further Reading and "Further Viewing
Each reader must make their own priorities in choosing preferred sites to visit. For me, two stand out - Avebury in southern Britain [Chapter 6] and the long stone avenues of Carnac in southern Brittany [Chapter 4]. Avebury and Carnac overlap slightly in the chronology, and scholars debate on Brittany's influence on megalithic monuments in the British Isles. Both sites cover an immense amount of landscape. Anyone thinking to gain a meaningful view of either in one day is doomed to disappointment. For these or any of the sites Scarre introduces us to, read him, keep a map handy and put his resources for the location to use. There is much here to learn and enjoy. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
