Riddles in the British Landscape [Hardcover]

Richard Muir (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; First Edition edition (April 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500241082
• ISBN-13: 978-0500241080
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,398,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nifty book on riddles of Britain, October 19, 2003

By 

Deborah MacGillivray "Author," (US & UK) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Riddles in the British Landscape (Hardcover)

Not an in-depth study, but still loaded with information, this is an over view of the riddles presented by Britain that goes well beyond scratching the surface. A wonderfully researched book covering stone circles and henges, but looks past to less covered questions, giving equal time to many other perplexities confronted when we look into Britain past.

Full of B+W photos, the book starts with Tombs and cairns - small and large, with a section devoted to Salisbury Hill and it's amazing construction. At the end - as with all chapters - it gives you prime examples of what the chapter covered with Places of Interest, listing specific directions and a brief description of why that spot is worth visiting.

The Next Section is the Vanished Wildwood, and written so well, that it was completely fascinating, discussing the trees that no longer could be found on British soil. It shows the influences of the changes in clime and the medieval need for wood nearly saw their destruction. A nice section of ancient woodcutting shows many trees. It goes on to Stone circles, and while there a many books more thorough on the subject, this is still a wonderful introduction to them. After stone circles, it moves to the ancient hillfortresses, then in natural progression - the homes of ancient man.

Also covered are the Chalk engravings such as the Westbury White Horse. Scotland's riddles are given several sections with Pictish Stones, followed by the fascinating brochs and even the more mysterious - the vitrified fortress. It touches boundaries and barriers, such as Hadrian's Wall and Devil's Dyke, finally to the end of the dark period as Christians came unto the pagan land, discussing the oldest churches surviving in the Isles.

A wonderful book for people wanting more than just a picture book. Especially recommended to travellers looking to know a bit more about Britain before a visit.