Orkney lies only 20 miles north of mainland Scotland, yet for many centuries its culture was more Scandanavian than Scottish. Strong westerly winds account for the scarcity of trees on Orkney and also for the tradition of well-constructed stone structures. As a result, the islands boast a large number of exceptionally well-preserved remains, which help us to form a detailed picture of Orcadian life through the ages. Sites and remains to be explored include settlements from the Stone Age, stone circles and burials from the Bronze Age, Iron Age brochs, Viking castles, the magnificent cathedral of St Magnus in Kirkwall, Renaissance palaces, a Martello tower from the Napoleonic Wars and numerous remains from the Second World War.
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'The guide will always be ready to beguile the whimsical reader, or to encourage the curious' - Anne Brundle, Orkney Museum 'An unusual combination of illustrated guidebook and in-depth narrative' - The Scots Magazine
About the Author
Caroline Wickham-Jones studied archaeology at Edinburgh University. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and has conducted research throughout Scotland, Ireland and Scandanavia. She is the author of numerous articles and publications, including Scotland's First Settlers (1994).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Fuerte Fan
Format:Paperback
This handy little book provides a great historical introduction to Orkney. It gives a brief historical outline of each period in the islands' (very long) history together with details of the sort of sites and monuments which survive from said period, and then a gazetteer of the actual sites and whether or not they are accessible to the public.
It is probably a better buy, in that respect, than Historic Scotland's "The Ancient Monuments of Orkney" (being much more comprehensive) and would make an excellent companion to the masterful, must-buy "Orkney: An Illustrated Architectural Guide" by Leslie Burgher. Only downside: no colour photos. But then other books fill that niche.
It is probably a better buy, in that respect, than Historic Scotland's "The Ancient Monuments of Orkney" (being much more comprehensive) and would make an excellent companion to the masterful, must-buy "Orkney: An Illustrated Architectural Guide" by Leslie Burgher. Only downside: no colour photos. But then other books fill that niche.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I will be visiting Orkney as a tourist but was interested and willing to get a little background. I found this book not well illustrated and not well written, could not finish it.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great archaeological tour book
29 May 2009
By Mark A. Mann
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This book was very handy to have for quick reference and information on almost all the major sites in the Orkney Islands. Sufficient descriptions and detail to assist in planning the trip and each day's outings.
Good choice and I would recommend it.
Good choice and I would recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Skillfully woven story
30 Sep 2012
By Dag Stomberg
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
A guide-book should describe in critical boundaries a deft touch
of the consummate hands-on archaeologist cum historian.
Caroline Wickham-Jones does this in an engrossing narrative that
sets forth a chronological history of Orkney from prehistoric
times to the present day.
Strongly recommended!
Dag Stomberg
St Andrews, Scotland
of the consummate hands-on archaeologist cum historian.
Caroline Wickham-Jones does this in an engrossing narrative that
sets forth a chronological history of Orkney from prehistoric
times to the present day.
Strongly recommended!
Dag Stomberg
St Andrews, Scotland
›
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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