This provocative, informative yet sometimes dry catalogue sets out to unravel methods used by ancient "prophet-scientists" that may have boardered on the scientific to predict eclipses and seasonal changes. Although the work leaps around without adhering to chronology or building on its own revelations, some individual sections sparkle. Calvin ( The Ascent of Mind ) speculates about Stonehenge, "The three complicated eclipse-prediction schemes for Stonehenge all focus on this eclipse repeat cycle, all use those 56 Aubrey holes in the ring that surrounds (and antedates) the central megaliths or the inner ring of 19 bluestones." The journey continues around the world to such historic wonders as the Grand Canyon and the Anasazi caves of the Hopi Indians. The book may be somewhat technical for lay readers . Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Were shamans in prehistoric cultures able to predict solar and lunar eclipses? Calvin (neurobiology, Univ. of Washington), brings together data from astronomy and archaeology in an attempt to answer this question. Employing research at Stonehenge and Avebury in England, and numerous Anasazi Indian sites in the American Southwest, Calvin concludes that there were over a dozen possible methods of eclipse forecasting that prehistoric people may have used. He admits that his hypotheses on prehistoric astronomical techniques are speculative, and emphasizes that they may only provide a clue to what might have been. Nevertheless, his theories are well thought out and clearly explained. The narrative flows smoothly as the numerous possible methods of prediction are described within the context of the story of his research at the various archaeological sites. This fascinating book should be a useful addition to library popular science collections.
- Elizabeth Salt, Otterbein Coll. Lib., Westerville, Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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