Was sent a review copy by the author; official blurb says"This long awaited book describes 100 of the most significant chambered tombs in Wales in eight regional groupings. George Nash discusses the Neolithic period and the 5 types of chambered tomb known from the time of our early farming ancestors. 256 pages, many b/w plans and photos - (Logaston 2006). ISBN 190439633X".
Judging the book by cover, first impressions are very attractive. It is nicely presented, just under A4 Landscape size. Mercifully, the cover does do justice to the contents.
In depth archaeological notes, plans and photos with scale, extensive reference to previous works and others' research gives a full, accessible interpretation of the monuments examined therein. The opening chapter is a comprehensive overview of the Neolithic in Wales, with reference to their British and Western European contexts, and pertinent commentary on climate, trade and so on.
The century of megalithic sites covered are grouped logically, with each group examined in turn, site by site. A brief conclusion pulls the subject matter together in a satisfying manner. A bibliography, appendices, and index add to the usability of the publication.
A few distractions may irk the pedant; there is no obvious explanation of abbreviations used, and some spelling mistakes (typographical errors, and inconsistent spelling of at least one monument).
A surprising omission is that no instructions to get to sites are given, or notes on access rights or restrictions. The author hopes "...that the book will be used to visit these most interesting of prehistoric monuments". Given every site included (and one expects many more) was visited to write the book, none of the information harvested from the field survey concerning access is presented.
Nevertheless, a professionally informed incisive archaeological perspective makes this a very valuable addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in Welsh prehistory.
Top italic text courtesy of Archaeology Safaris; the book is available to purchase in the
