Orkney: A Historical Guide [Paperback]

Caroline Wickham-Jones (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1841585963 | ISBN-13: 978-1841585963 | Publication Date: January 2007 | Edition: Rev Upd

Orkney lies only 20 miles north of mainland Scotland, yet for many centuries its culture was more Scandanavian than Scottish. Strong westerly winds account for the scarcity of trees on Orkney and also for the tradition of well-constructed stone structures. As a result, the islands boast a large number of exceptionally well-preserved remains, which help us to form a detailed picture of Orcadian life through the ages. Sites and remains to be explored include settlements from the Stone Age, stone circles and burials from the Bronze Age, Iron Age brochs, Viking castles, the magnificent cathedral of St Magnus in Kirkwall, Renaissance palaces, a Martello tower from the Napoleonic Wars and numerous remains from the Second World War.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The guide will always be ready to beguile the whimsical reader, or to encourage the curious' - Anne Brundle, Orkney Museum 'An unusual combination of illustrated guidebook and in-depth narrative' - The Scots Magazine

About the Author

Caroline Wickham-Jones studied archaeology at Edinburgh University. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and has conducted research throughout Scotland, Ireland and Scandanavia. She is the author of numerous articles and publications, including Scotland's First Settlers (1994).

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Birlinn Ltd; Rev Upd edition (January 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841585963
• ISBN-13: 978-1841585963
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,820,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great archaeological tour book, May 29, 2009

By 

Mark A. Mann (Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orkney: A Historical Guide (Paperback)

This book was very handy to have for quick reference and information on almost all the major sites in the Orkney Islands. Sufficient descriptions and detail to assist in planning the trip and each day's outings.
Good choice and I would recommend it.