The age of stonehenge

The Age of Stonehenge was originally written in 1980. Colin Burgess subsequently left the field of the early prehistory of the British Isles for work in the Mediterranean on the Phoenicians and the Sea Peoples. The book has subsequently seen new editions in 2001 and 2003, which suggests that the material is both well presented and well researched. If it is any indication of his thoroughness one can only regret his early departure from English pre-history and his early retirement from the academic world in general.Departing form the traditional Stone, Bronze and Iron terminology, he provides a coherent slice of pre-history in a fresh and accessible way. We get to see and understand the physical characteristics and appearance of the people, their fashions in clothing, ornaments, equipment and weapons, in arts and crafts. He looks at population levels and social and political organization and reveals that these people of over 4000 years ago were much more numerous, organized and technologically skilled than we have been led to think. The range of topics covered is encyclopaedic from early farming techniques to the nature of the houses and struggles with the soil and climate to disease, surgery and boat construction. Illustrated with drawings, plans, maps and photographs, this is the first book to deal with all aspects of this crucial period of prehistory.