The Sacred History of Britain: Landscape, Myth and Power: The Forces that Have Shaped Britain's Spirituality [Hardcover]

Martin Palmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2002

In The Sacred History of Britain, Martin Palmer takes us on a journey of exploration to discover the unique features that make up the spiritual character of Britain and her people. This fascinating insight into the evolution of spiritual traditions reveals how myths, legends, beliefs and faiths have been as significant in our history as wars, kings and treaties. Taking a chronological approach the book uncovers faiths that have died, sacred cities and landscapes, and the astonishing period when Britain appears to have had no discernible faith. Martin Palmer explores the key episodes from Britain's sacred history including our own Cultural Revolution which was the English Reformation and the state of our faith today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Much of the history of the UK is religious history, according to lay Anglican theologian Martin Palmer. Interspersing essays on sacred sites throughout the nation with biographical memories of his own early pilgrimages around his native Bristol, Palmer's book acts as a sort of alternative guidebook to the UK. From Wells Cathedral to ancient mounds, he shows how the sacred, as much as economic imperatives, have affected the course of the nation's history. He also has a beautiful definition of what makes a place sacred. "[It is] where the veil between heaven and earth is gossamer thin."

About the Author

Martin Palmer is a lay Anglican theologian and is director of ICOREC (International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture). Keynote speaker in demand fro conferences on religions all around the world He is a religious adviser to Prince Philip and Worldwide Fund for Nature, and has worked with churches in more than 30 countries. He is the author of several books, including Living Christianity and Yin and Yang, Sacred Britain, Sacred Gardens and the Jesus Sutras.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Piatkus Books; First Edition edition (September 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0749921994
• ISBN-13: 978-0749921996
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,252,182 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 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Mostly About British Christianity, February 11, 2007

By 

An attorney and art lover (Ocean Springs, MS United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sacred History of Britain: Landscape, Myth and Power: The Forces that Have Shaped Britain's Spirituality (Hardcover)

This is a very interesting exploration of the history of British Christianity with a nod to the long barrows and stone circles that pre-date the birth of Jesus. The writer loves his subject, and he also loves the religions of other cultures. I found this book most interesting in its explanation of the intersection of history, religion, and building in Britain.