Scan barcode
theinkthief's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
This book is a brilliant tour around the British Isles and a wonderful introduction to Britain’s history. The introduction instantly hooks the reader, and can be read by people who have no prior knowledge, but is still engaging even if the reader is familiar with the subject. The book is always easy to read even though it includes some specialist or simply obscure terms because Ochota makes sure to provide some sort of explanation, clearly anticipating that not everyone will know what a midden layer is.
The book takes the reader on a comprehensive tour of some of the most interesting and important archaeological finds and sites in Britain. It’s very well laid out, with a useful timeline and map at the front of the book that allows your date to quickly dates sites and finds, and locate them, before moving on to reading about these “secret places” in greater depth. The pictures, too, are absolutely stunning, and if the content of the book doesn’t make a reader want to visit these places, the photos almost certainly will.
Reading this was fascinating, even though I’m quite familiar with a lot of what’s mentioned within. Each section is fantastically described, and there were some finds and places I’d never heard of, and rather than bombarding the reader with historical facts and figures and the wider history of a place, instead, each section tells the story (or stories) of the places and objects there, and focuses on that one site or piece. This makes it easy to read, but it often also connects to the wider history of the place, as well as the beliefs, people, and culture attached to those places and pieces.
Ochota presents interesting and occasionally unique takes and theories as to what certain archaeological evidence might suggest about the history and beliefs of a place, and each theory is well-thought-out and well presented, never leaving the reader scratching their head trying to figure out what she means.
My only, very minor, complaint is the lack of focus on Seahenge, despite the fact that Ochota states in the introduction to the book that it’s an important sight. We have the picture and the caption that goes with it and provides some explanation about the site, but where some sites have two or three pages, Seahenge has only its caption. This, however, isn’t uncommon through the book, as several other sites and finds have little written about them.
Overall, it’s a very interesting and enjoyable read, and a very solid popular archaeology book.
This book is a brilliant tour around the British Isles and a wonderful introduction to Britain’s history. The introduction instantly hooks the reader, and can be read by people who have no prior knowledge, but is still engaging even if the reader is familiar with the subject. The book is always easy to read even though it includes some specialist or simply obscure terms because Ochota makes sure to provide some sort of explanation, clearly anticipating that not everyone will know what a midden layer is.
The book takes the reader on a comprehensive tour of some of the most interesting and important archaeological finds and sites in Britain. It’s very well laid out, with a useful timeline and map at the front of the book that allows your date to quickly dates sites and finds, and locate them, before moving on to reading about these “secret places” in greater depth. The pictures, too, are absolutely stunning, and if the content of the book doesn’t make a reader want to visit these places, the photos almost certainly will.
Reading this was fascinating, even though I’m quite familiar with a lot of what’s mentioned within. Each section is fantastically described, and there were some finds and places I’d never heard of, and rather than bombarding the reader with historical facts and figures and the wider history of a place, instead, each section tells the story (or stories) of the places and objects there, and focuses on that one site or piece. This makes it easy to read, but it often also connects to the wider history of the place, as well as the beliefs, people, and culture attached to those places and pieces.
Ochota presents interesting and occasionally unique takes and theories as to what certain archaeological evidence might suggest about the history and beliefs of a place, and each theory is well-thought-out and well presented, never leaving the reader scratching their head trying to figure out what she means.
My only, very minor, complaint is the lack of focus on Seahenge, despite the fact that Ochota states in the introduction to the book that it’s an important sight. We have the picture and the caption that goes with it and provides some explanation about the site, but where some sites have two or three pages, Seahenge has only its caption. This, however, isn’t uncommon through the book, as several other sites and finds have little written about them.
Overall, it’s a very interesting and enjoyable read, and a very solid popular archaeology book.
miles_books45's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I always love a good archaeology book that peeks my intrest in lost of different places and times
carmelade6645's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
4.25
bluenancyhawaii's review against another edition
4.0
This book is the armchair archaeologist's dream! It's written in an enthusiastic, easy to understand voice that brings to life British Archaeological finds from across the ages. I added many must-see places to my travel list after reading, and look forward to finding out more. It feels appropriate for adults and teens with an interest in Britain and archaeology.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
shanaqui's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
A whistle-stop tour of some of Britain's archaeological artefacts and sites. It's not all really "secret", since stuff like the Red Lady of Paviland Cave (not at all secret) and Stonehenge are included.
Still, fun read and lovely full-colour photographs. There were a few sites I didn't know about.
Still, fun read and lovely full-colour photographs. There were a few sites I didn't know about.
bookwoman37's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.25
This is an interesting travel guide through archaeological in Britain. The text is well written and informative. There are lots of wonderful illustrations. I learned a lot about early British History reading this book. I enjoyed my arm chair travels.
catebutler's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
duchessofreadin's review against another edition
4.0
If you have a young reader who is interested in history, this is a great book for them! I read this aloud with my boys, and we all enjoyed it! Great pictures, engaging, and the flow of the book keeps the reader engaged!
Discover more of Britain's treasures in this delightful read!
Discover more of Britain's treasures in this delightful read!