Customer Reviews

Exploring Prehistoric Europe (Places in Time)

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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]

Excellent overview. The authors objectively present the current theories, even conflicting ones, letting the reader weigh-up the evidence for themself.They offer a small bibliography for each site,plus information on area museums housing finds from each site.Some sites relatively unknown, but fascinating!

This book is part of the Places In Time series, and looks at the various prehistoric sites in Europe. All of the major sites are covered, from the famous cave of Lascaux to Stonehenge, Skara Brae and the Borremose peat bog.

For the most part, this is a very informative book. The author takes a serious and in-depth look at each of the sites, avoiding unnecessary (and all too often unwarranted) assumptions about them and the people who built them. Indeed, if the book has a flaw it is that it is written in a little too dry and academic of a tone. But, that said, it is a wonderful resource on the sites, really telling you what is known about them.