Review
Praise for Britain B.C.: 'Francis Pryor has given us a remarkable, imaginative and persuasive account of those other Britons... its enthusiastic and confident approach deserves to be very influential' TLS 'A compulsive narrative intertwining prehistory, the excitement of discovery and personalities. It bounds along, wonderfully enlivened by Pryor's earthy enthusiasm' New Scientist For Seahenge: 'A magnificent book... a vivid story, superbly told. It gives a wonderfully clear explanation of how archaeology works, written in plain language which all can understand and enjoy' Magnus Magnusson 'Most absorbing... a disarmingly down-to-earth delving into lost fragments' Sunday Telegraph 'A fascinating personal odyssey through British prehistory' The Times
This amazingly detailed book follows on from the dramatic Channel 4 series which breathed life into one of the most incredible periods of history. Prior believes that our understanding of 'Dark Age' Britain can only be enhanced by our knowledge and understanding of what came before, namely, the Ancient Britons. This book is his delightful attempt to achieve just that. Using Arthur as his focal point Prior presents this era with ease and clarity. He does not romanticise or embellish, but gives it straight, which makes it all the more authentic. As an archaeologist himself, Prior carries weight as an author. His observations, in particular his attention to detail, are convincing, as is the enthusiasm with which he presents his findings. His desire to keep his eyes on the 'archaeological ball' and not be distracted by the well known names and figures of the Saxon period is a refreshing change - in fact Prior makes it clear that he feels it is time some new characters were allowed centre stage. It is good to finally meet them! (Kirkus UK)
Product Description
In this book, which accompanies and expands on his Channel 4 television series, leading archaeologist Francis Pryor retells the story of King Arthur, legendary king of the Britons, tracing it back to its Bronze Age origins The legend of King Arthur and Camelot is one of the most enduring in Britain's history, spanning centuries and surviving invasions by Angles, Vikings and Normans. In his latest book Francis Pryor -- one of Britain's most celebrated archaeologists and author of the acclaimed Britain B.C. and Seahenge -- traces the story of Arthur back to its ancient origins. Putting forth the compelling idea that most of the key elements of the Arthurian legends are deeply rooted in Bronze and Iron Ages (the sword Excalibur, the Lady of the Lake, the Sword in the Stone and so on), Pryor argues that the legends' survival mirrors a flourishing, indigenous culture that endured through the Roman occupation of Britain, and the subsequent invasions of the so-called Dark Ages. As in Britain B.C., Pryor roots his story in the very landscape, from Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, to South Cadbury Castle in Somerset and Tintagel in Cornwall. He traces the story back to the 5th-century King Arthur and beyond, all the time testing his ideas with archaeological evidence, and showing how the story was manipulated through the ages for various historical and literary purposes, by Geoffrey of Monmouth and Malory among others. Delving into history, literary sources -- ancient, medieval and romantic -- and archaeological research, Francis Pryor creates an original, lively and illuminating account of this most British of legends.
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