Whilst studying archaeology, this book was indespensible. It is a little more than an entry level read on the subject of British Prehistory, but doesn't require the reader to know anything about the subject. The book starts with hunter gatherers, and goes on to explain all aspects of the prehistoric world. From the birth of farming in the Neolithic, through the discovery of metal during the Bronze Age, and onto Iron Age Britain. Subjects covered in the book include burial practice in prehistory along with their regional diferences, and the varying types of ritual monument, and their dispersal throughout the UK by region and time. Craft and industry in prehistory are covered and there are chapters on how climate changed life in Prehistoric Britain. Trade and Immigration are looked at, and how differing cultures brought new crafts and ideas to the Britian Isles. Other chapters cover social change in the various regions of Britian, and how the 'Wessex Culture' came to be predominant.
Radiocarbon dating as well as other dating techniques are covered, as are techniques employed in finding sites, such as aerial photography. This is a cracking read, packed with pictures, photographs, charts and tables and written to be accessable to everyone. Anyone interested in the prehistoric origins of Britain should have a copy. There is also a companion book called 'Prehistoric Britain From The Air', which delves further into the subject, picking out specific sites and areas, and explaining more about their origin and function. Both books are highly recommended.