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Julian Cope
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The Modern Antiquarian Hardcover – 14 April 2011

by Julian Cope (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 73 ratings
See all formats and editions

‘Deeply impressive… ancient history: the new rock ’n’ roll.’ The Times

Julian Cope’s bestselling modern classic, The Modern Aniquarian, is now released in a beautiful new hardback package. Having sold over 50,000 copies in two highly successful editions.

Julian Cope is one of Britain’s best known and most-celebrated post-punk visionaries. In this historical masterpiece, he takes us on an unforgettable journey across the British Isles, uncovering the first temples ever built and their myriad descendants, the relics of which can still be seen today.

The Modern Antiquarian is the result of an eight-year odyssey in search of the roots of British cultural identity. Of the countless sites visited, Cope has selected over 300 of the very best; photographing their remains and explaining fully their relationships with the landscape.

This book shines a powerful light onto the past of a nation hoodwinked into believing that its history began with the Roman conquest. Cope’s deft prose examines our prehistoric beginnings through the evidence of megalithic remains and their surroundings, allowing us for the first time to reconcile the tapestry of our past with modern life.

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  1. Print length
    448 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Thorsons
  4. Publication date
    14 April 2011
  5. Dimensions
    20.96 x 3.81 x 29.85 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0722535996
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0722535998
  8. See all details
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Product description

Amazon Review

Julian Cope has come a long way since the Teardrop Explodes. For eight years he has researched Britain's megalithic heritage in order to write about its inspirational and mythic importance.The Modern Antiquarian is quite an achievement, in which the singing space cadet once more reconciles himself to Earth. Book One is a series of ten essays reconstructing British paganism prior to the muscular intervention of Christianity. Seriously subjective, frequently wayward, they collectively seek to recover the Great Goddess, and restore a sense of femininity and spirituality to our landscape, dotted with its long barrows and standing stones. In the process, Cope introduces imaginative etymosophies [sic] and some wonderful chapter headings, such as "Why the Romans were so Heavy", and "Ur Indoors", while indulging his distaste for cities and his love of Roman-bashing, for their corruption of collective folk memory, and the straightness of their roads. Cope's own infectious vision is, understandably, more circular, if not exactly rounded. It would be easy to mock, with its amateur snaps (sometimes including a variously coiffed Cope or family, for scale, one presumes), and homespun New Age philosophy. However, Book Two, a rainbow-indexed gazetteer to over 300 prehistoric sites in Britain, is tremendous. Each entry combines a photograph, Ordnance Survey directions, a paragraph of geo-historical significance, and a personal observational note of Cope's. Occasional poetry surfaces--"Atop Knap Hill I eat my snot/For 'tis the only food I got"--but generally the absurdities are kept at bay, as St Julian leads us on a pilgrimage. There are even charming guidelines for those who use the gazetteer properly, including the invaluable tip to keep a plastic bag down your sock to collect rubbish in (Julian does). Splendidly eccentric, impossible not to enjoy, and as much a map of the errant genius of Cope as the land with which he so passionately communes. --David Vincent

Review

'Utterly unique…opens a real window on Britain's prehistory.' The Times

'A unique blend of information, observation, personal experience and opinion… A strange and marvellous artefact.' The Independent

'Not only a joy, but a useful field guide.' The Guardian

'Immensely detailed and sumptuously illustrated…an essential guide' The Daily Telegraph

‘A remarkable fusion of scholarship, practical advice and visionary insight’ Daily Express

'A sumptuous technicolour delight. Erudite, playful and provocative.' Mojo

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thorsons; First Edition (14 April 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0722535996
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0722535998
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20.96 x 3.81 x 29.85 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

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Julian Cope

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
73 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a good value for money and a must-have for anyone interested in prehistoric sites. They praise the writing style as excellent and user-friendly. Many consider it a lovely holiday companion and a happy surprise for hikers. The presentation is described as beautiful and well-documented.

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9 customers mention ‘Value for money’9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good value for money. They say it's a must-have for anyone interested in prehistoric sites and Megalithic Britain.

"...A must buy for anyone interested in Megalithic Britain; much too valuable a resource than to be used to prop up the coffee table![..." Read more

"...Had already bought Megalithic Europe. Wonderful book, Julian is so enthusiastic and has such an enlightening perception for an "amateur"..." Read more

"Lovely & reasonable price & condition given quite hard to find" Read more

"Fine purchase as good as expected. This product was nicely presented in its sleeve and is an ecellent companion work to the Megalithic European." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Writing style’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style excellent and user-friendly.

"...It is written in the most user-friendly style I have ever come across in this kind of subject area, that is an immediate..." Read more

"This book is excellently written and presented and it is a must for anyone interested in prehistoric history and sites." Read more

"Brilliant. Just wish it it was signed. Cover and pages excellent. Well written and documented. Not an academic book, it was what I wanted." Read more

"Written with love and authority. It veers towards the trippy, but in a good way." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Gift value’4 positive0 negative

Customers like the book as a gift. They say it's a lovely holiday companion and perfect for Christmas. The book provides happy surprises for hikers and makes good companions with the British and European books.

"Lovely book. Its a Christmas gift and I know it will be perfect. Arrived on time and in great condition." Read more

"Lovely holiday companion..." Read more

"Britain book and the European book make good companions..." Read more

"Happy surprises for hikers...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it quirky and fun, with personal sections written by Julian Cope.

"...on its own page in geographical sections, and each with an enjoyable personal section written by Julian Cope on how the site made him feel at the..." Read more

"...Some interesting and amusing asides in Cope's own unique style. The production and layout are both excellent. Thoroughly recommended." Read more

"quirky. Fun. The etymology of the languages is wholly wrong, but if we take it as poetry rather than science, that's fine." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Presentation’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's presentation. They find it well-written and presented.

"This book is excellently written and presented and it is a must for anyone interested in prehistoric history and sites." Read more

"...Cover and pages excellent. Well written and documented. Not an academic book, it was what I wanted." Read more

"Beautifully written and presented 😊..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • s w turner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essential
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 September 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Mr Cope has written an absolutely exhaustive tome that is full of fascination and serious historical research. He also never strays from his personal approach so you get his character shining through which is no bad thing. It can get a bit daft when he lets his personality shine through (read it and you will see what I mean!) but this is never at the cost of factual, historical and fascinating research. The book is laid out beautifully, and the "family snapshots" work equally well alongside the professional photography. A great piece of work that will teach you loads about the vast and deep history of early Britain and the areas that still have evidence of our distant past. His personal asides merely serve to reinforce this, and reminds you that there is a person behind all of this rather than some dry academic. Essential reading for the armchair enthusiast, the serious historian, and anyone who finds the pull of these places equally important as sites of ritual and energy.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • @netfactorbooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely holiday companion
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 September 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This is an awesome reference book for anyone interested in stone circles and ancient british history. It is easy to use with each site arranged on its own page in geographical sections, and each with an enjoyable personal section written by Julian Cope on how the site made him feel at the time of his visit (he has visited each site in person over 8 years in compiling the volume, some in horrendous weather of course which makes for quite amusing reading). In many cases it is not the actual monument (sometimes very derelict) that leaves the impression but moreso the natural energy and beauty of the site.

    I have used the book on many occasions on holidays especially in Cornwall and I can say it has enhanced and given purpose to my experiences, and taken me to many wonderful and little visited sites well off the beaten track (trying to find them from the directions and clues in the book is an exciting adventure in itself!).
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Anon.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great field guide
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A marvellous book in many ways. It is firmly in the "Earth Mysteries" department so far as the general theme is concerned, with much about the "Great Goddess" etc. - I suggest Ronald Hutton's excellent latest book "Pagan Britain" as a balanced corrective from an academic. Howeiver, it is wonderful for its enthusiasm and joy with regard to our ancient heritage.
    Buy it for the Gazeteer- a superb guide to the finest Megalithic sites of Britain but take the theories with a (large) pinch of salt.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Derek morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful, fab, true work of art from the presentation and layout through to the essays and gazette. Another book with a special place in my collection. All major sites covered with Julian's individual thoughts and the starting place for digging even deeper into each region. This and its companion book the Megalithic European are my two favourite reference books, I love looking through them and deciding which region to visit next both home and abroad
    2 people found this helpful
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  • chrisuk1000
    5.0 out of 5 stars I can't believe I haven't reviewed this book already!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 March 2007
    Verified Purchase
    My title says it all, I have had it for eons and forgot to tell anybody what I thought about it, how selfish. Simply I think this is a MUST READ for prehistory monument geeks like myself who want to make that spiritual contact with the ancestors in the ancient world. (You know who you are) It is written in the most user-friendly style I have ever come across in this kind of subject area, that is an immediate attraction for myself. A refreshing change from all the more serious academic stuff I have had to endure. I would like to meet Julian Cope someday just to say thanks for opening this door, saw him at a Leeds (supporting a Queen gig) once under less endearing circumstances, would like to apologise for that as well and thank him for such an amazing piece of work. Read it please and grow in your knowledge.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • trendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2012
    Verified Purchase
    The book is beautiful, the author - whose music I have much admired, gives this the personal touch of a classic. Many consider this the 'bible' of the subject and no wonder. An absolute work of art. My only criticism is that the blue and orange detail of the spine is easily scratched off - but then that's not Julian's fault. My advice would be, buy a copy to hand down through your family - and then buy another to take with you to the sites. Open this book, if you are at least remotely interested, and I will guarantee you will find it difficult to put down.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Mother Willow
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Modern Antiquarian - WOW!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 April 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Julian has seriously done his homework; from it's humble conception following a visit to Avebury that sparked an obsession for knowledge. He then spent several years visiting each and every Megalithic site across Britain; with about 300 sites in Britain, that is about 299 more than the average person knows about (i.e. Stonehenge), each one with detailed description, photographs, musings et al...
    A must buy for anyone interested in Megalithic Britain; much too valuable a resource than to be used to prop up the coffee table!The Modern Antiquarian: A Pre-millennial Odyssey Through Megalithic Britain : Including a Gazetteer to Over 300 Prehistoric Sites
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Mrs Carolyn Locke
    5.0 out of 5 stars First edition in good condition great buy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2021
    Verified Purchase
    More than happy with my purchase. Shame I can’t read it though I don’t want to spoil the beautiful condition it is in currently
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Su-Q
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating mix of megalithic travel/history/culture & personal journal - I LOVE IT!
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 November 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I received the book earlier today & have just spent 4 straight hours going through it, page by page & picture by picture, with a magnifying glass - not because the pics aren't clear but just to see as many details as possible.

    The main reason I bought this book is that I'm landlocked in the middle of the US (Wyoming) & while I may have an opportunity to travel to Great Britain at some point I would never be able to visit all these fascinating sites. This book is my next best option & I'm not disappointed. Some reviews have complained about inaccuracy of "facts" - while I can't speak to that, I can say I appreciate Cope's style of writing: conversational, understandable, doesn't assume the reader lives there & knows pronunciations but also doesn't assume the reader is a complete idiot. I love the vivid color pics, maps, descriptions, weather notes, personal thoughts & feelings.

    ***ANYONE - ONE QUESTION: on page 355, Lochbuie Stone Circle, upper right of picture - strange moon (thru clouds?!) or UFO?!
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  • Jeff D. Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not perfect, but worth every penny.
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 June 2007
    Verified Purchase
    Okay- TMA isn't an authoritative guide to neolithic sites. There's a lot of Mr Cope's opinion in here, and a lot of quasi religious/spiritual writing. If that's not your cup of tea, just don't read those parts.
    What TMA is, however, is an excellent, well made, beautifully put together, funny, sweet, inspiring, encyclopedia of all the special neolithic sites in Britain. I've used it as a guidebook on three trips to the country, to see neolithic sites (actually, I've xeroxed the appropriate pages----the book is really heavy).
    If you live in the UK, or if you are visiting, treat yourself to this book and visit a few sites. You will not regret the book, and you certainly won't regret visiting the sites.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mega reference book
    Reviewed in the United States on 8 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant. Excellent source of information.
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  • KOL
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely but Strange
    Reviewed in the United States on 20 June 2005
    Verified Purchase
    Very well documented book on this subject. While personally I know little about it, Julian Cope has obviously invested some time and energy into this lovely book.
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