Avebury (Duckworth Archaeological Histories) [Paperback]

Mark Gillings (Author), Joshua Pollard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Duckworth Archaeological Histories | Publication Date: November 8, 2004

Avebury remains one of the most spectacular and enigmatic prehistoric monuments in Europe. Constructed in several stages during the course of the third millennium BC, the massive earthwork enclosure and stone settings have had a complex history; one which has included later episodes of avoidance, neglect and deliberate destruction, through to more recent antiquarian and archaeological ‘re-discovery’, investigation and preservation. Incorporating evidence from recent research, and guided by current themes within interpretative archaeology, this book provides an authoritative and comprehensive account of the site.

Since its late Neolithic beginnings, Avebury has been the subject of a host of interpretations and understandings, each as valid for the community making it as any ‘original’ imperative, and each of which has a crucial place in the developing life-history of the site--in effect making Avebury what it is today. This book explores these changing understandings and interpretations, charting the life of this unique monument from a small clearing in the forest to a designated World Heritage Site.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Gillings is Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Leicester.

Joshua Pollard is Lecturer in Archaeology and Prehistory at the University of Wales College, Newport.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Duckworth Publishers (November 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071563240X
• ISBN-13: 978-0715632406
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,055,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Factual, thorough and a good read as well!, January 14, 2006

By 

Ronald A. Van Gurp "BajorRon" (Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Avebury (Duckworth Archaeological Histories) (Paperback)

The book contains an overview of the history of Avebury as seen through the eyes of the archaeologist. Covering the period from the time before the megalithic site of Avebury was even created to its contemporary status and struggles, Pollard and Giddings provide a fascinating account of the ancient and not-so-ancient history of this site.

Their story is always entertaining and a quite nice read, yet at the same time scientifically thorough and without unnecessary speculations. A vast bibliography accompanies the book for further reading or more in depth study.

The influential Alexander Keiller and William Stukeley, who both put Avebury on the map for posterity, are portrayed in quite an amusing but respectful way. More importantly, these portraits also shed a new and interesting light on their motives and personalities and the way these are echoed in the Avebury we perceive today.

Pollard and Gillings emphasize the inherent complexity of a monument such as Avebury, which is increased by the fragmentary and sometimes rudimentary knowledge we possess about its history, its role and even its make-up. Their view is that of a monument in which the process of creating it as an expression of communal activity was perhaps more important to its makers than its ultimate shape and design.

"Avebury" provides a contemporary and rather unbiased and factual look on the megalithic site of Avebury and its associated monuments. I personally would have liked to see a little bit more illustrations and photographs, but with this book it is clearly the content that counts. The various theories and interpretations about its role and purpose in Neolithic society are presented in a matter-of-fact way and largely left uncommented. The book is therefore highly recommended to those who are interested in the facts about Avebury, but prefer to make up their own mind about its significance.