Britain's pagan past; with its mysterious monuments; atmospheric sites; enigmatic artifacts; bloodthirsty legends; and cryptic inscriptions; is both enthralling and perplexing to a resident of the twenty-first century. In this ambitious and thoroughly up-to-date book; Ronald Hutton reveals the long development; rapid suppression; and enduring cultural significance of paganism; from the Paleolithic Era to the coming of Christianity. He draws on an array of recently discovered evidence and shows how new findings have radically transformed understandings of belief and ritual in Britain before the arrival of organized religion. Setting forth a chronological narrative; Hutton along the way makes side visits to explore specific locations of ancient pagan activity. He includes the well-known sacred sites—Stonehenge; Avebury; Seahenge; Maiden Castle; Anglesey—as well as more obscure locations across the mainland and coastal islands. In tireless pursuit of the elusive “why†of pagan behavior; Hutton astonishes with the breadth of his understanding of Britain’s deep past and inspires with the originality of his insights.
#410170 in Books 2014-09-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 1.00 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 0300190778392 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very PowerfulBy CarynThis book was one of the most powerful holocaust stories I have read ( of many); and the author breathed life into each character.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Goes beyond the horrors to provide glimpses into the heart and psyche of those who experienced it.By HobbitMany books expose the horrors of the Holocaust. This brilliantly written book goes beyond the mind numbingatrocities and provides the reader with glimpses into the heart and psyche of those who experienced that horror.Students of the Holocaust can read; study and THINK they understand; but I don't believe any of us truly can.It's too immense in its cruelty; too abstracted from our reality. As author Charlotte Delbo writes; "This dot on the mapThis black spot at the core of Europe... Today people know; have known for several years; that this dot on the map is Auschwitz. This much they know - as for the rest they think they know." Students of the Holocaust must rely on the insights provided for us by writers such as Charlotte Delbo. Often; in just a few words or phrases; Ms. Delbo provides moments of crystal clarity for the reader. She enables the reader to get a sense of life ripped from "reality" and left suspended in an existence that no mind can't fully comprehend. And after surviving years of deprivation and depravity; Ms. Delbo enables us to sense the great difficulty of returning and fitting into the "normal" world. Again; this is a brilliantly written book - wonderfully insightful and deeply honest. It should be read by ALL who desire to understand the full meaning of the statement: Never Again.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Incredible accountBy Meribeth L. PowersDelhi is an outstanding writer. At the conclusion of a year-long adult study group all agreed that Delbo's account of concentration camp life was the most moving we had read. That is a recommendation and a warning. She takes the writer on a tour of hell complete with sights; sounds; smells and emotions.
