England, Scotland, Wales: The Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes in Britain (Spiritual Traveler) [Paperback]

Martin Palmer (Author), Nigel Palmer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Spiritual Traveler | Publication Date: November 2000

Includes Tips for Overnight Lodging in Monasteries, Abbeys and Spiritual Centers

THE SPIRITUAL TRAVELER: ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, WALES is a unique guide book. It takes us on a journey across the rural and urban landscapes of Britain, and helps us to discover and explore a multitude of sacred sites: ancient stone circles and tombs, Christian and pre-Christian shrines, medieval synagogues, small country churches and soaring cathedrals, Eastern temples, abbey ruins, sacred cities, holy wells and rivers, ancient yew trees and monastery gardens. The Spiritual Traveler reveals the stories behind these extraordinary places of spiritual power, and offers thirteen pilgrim routes by car, bike or foot, including: the Path of the from Iona to Lindisfarne the ancient Saints’ Way in North Wales a multi-faith pilgrimage to Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, Quaker meeting houses, Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines the Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury the powerful route of women mystics from Ely to Walsingham in search of King Arthur from Glastonbury to Tintagel the Road of Stones from Stonehenge to Avebury

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This thoughtful first installment in the Spiritual Traveler series will be deeply appreciated by both pilgrims and armchair travelers. While other books have toured British monasteries and churches, the Palmers go one step further by exploring the entire sacred landscape: separate chapters analyze holy wells, sacred cities and plant and animal life. The authors speak eloquently about the history of "sacred planning" in England's towns, giving examples of sites whose very layout forms an expression of Christian geomancy. The bulk of the book is given over to detailed descriptions of cathedrals, pilgrim roads, henges, druids' circles, shrines, monasteries, ruins, graveyards and martyrdom sites. The book closes with a "Multi-Faith Pilgrimage," which includes a Theravada Buddhist vihara, a Sikh Gurdwara, a Sephardic Jewish synagogue, a Muslim graveyard and other holy places. A useful glossary offers suggestions for lodgings in British retreat centers, abbeys and monasteries. Throughout the book, the authors express strong opinions, such as condemning the soulless "arrogance of recent town planning" or the cruelty that has so often been perpetuated in the name of religion. Such editorializing is unusual in a travel guide, but is not out of place here, since the guide seeks not only to introduce sacred sites but to cultivate a sacred way of seeing. (Dec.) Forecast: This is the first series to cater to the growing niche market for spiritual travel books. Its two-color design is as attractive as many other guidebooks in the travel section, with sophisticated illustrations and photographs. Expect this series to build into a full-fledged brand, with future installments planned for various regions of the U.S.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A truly wonderful and important book.” -- Daily Mail, London

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: HiddenSpring (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587680025
• ISBN-13: 978-1587680021
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #427,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Travel > Europe > Great Britain > Wales
  • #66 in Books > Travel > Europe > Great Britain > Scotland

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great guide to Britain's sacred sites, May 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: England, Scotland, Wales: The Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes in Britain (Spiritual Traveler) (Paperback)

This book covers all types of sacred sites. From stone circles like Stonehenge, to Cathedrals and the legends surrounding Glastonbury. Gives great historical background. I gave this book 4 stars because I would have liked to have seen more photos. Otherwise a wonderful book for people planning to travel to Britain or those who want to learn more about it's sacred sites.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars everything you need to know, March 14, 2007

By 

Linda Pagliuco "katknit" (CT, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: England, Scotland, Wales: The Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes in Britain (Spiritual Traveler) (Paperback)

If you are interested in medieval religious sites and traditions in the British Isles, check out The Spiritual Traveler. This fascinating book covers it all, beginning with the spiritual history of the land, from prehistoric times, progressing to the landscape and its features, such as holy wells and pilgrim routes, and finally giving detailed itineraries with highlights and lesser known points of interest. More than a simple guidebook, it can take you to stone circles and megalithic tombs, abbey ruins, medieval synagogues, majestic cathedrals, and dozens of places in between. It also provides explanations of different customs, myths, and traditions. Illustrated with line drawings and photographs, perusing this compact volume will make you want to book your flight and pack your bags. Don't forget your camera!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Than a Guide Book, August 24, 2008

By 

J. Chinn "Movie Guy" (Prescott, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: England, Scotland, Wales: The Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes in Britain (Spiritual Traveler) (Paperback)

This is more than a simple traveler's guide book. It provides the detailed history, significance and practices surrounding the sacred sites of Britain, including many lesser-known sites. The book gives the reader a foundation necessary for truly understanding and experiencing the sacred sites. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to visit Britain's sacred sites and come away with more than a snap-shot view.