From Library Journal
British archaeologist Burl (A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany) has produced an academically rigorous book that can still be enjoyed by the lay reader. The first part examines legends that have been attached to a number of different prehistoric stone circles in Britain, such as the Rollright Stones and the circles at Stanton Drew in Somerset. Burl speculates on the origins of the stories and then uses fact to debunk them. The second part of the book is somewhat controversial and focuses on Stonehenge. It has long been argued that humans made an epic journey over hundreds of miles to get the bluestones used in its construction from southwest Wales to Salisbury Plain. Burl challenges this idea, methodically laying out his theory that glaciers carried the stones to the site. The third part of the book focuses on the construction of Swinside in Cumbria. Lavishly illustrated in both black and white and color, this is highly recommended for libraries where there is interest in the subject.AJohn Burch, Cumberland Coll. Lib., Williamsburg, KY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Kurzbeschreibung
An investigation of the legends surrounding prehistoric stone circles. Archaeologist Audrey Burl has selected a dozen rings, each of which illuminates a particular archaeological question, such as their purpose or construction, and presents explanations of their fascinating mysteries.