Pagan Britain - Hardcover

Hutton, Ronald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300197713 ISBN 13: 9780300197716

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2014

Synopsis

Britain's pagan past, with its mysterious monuments, atmospheric sites, enigmatic artifacts, bloodthirsty legends, and cryptic inscriptions, is both enthralling and perplexing to a resident of the twenty-first century. In this ambitious and thoroughly up-to-date book, Ronald Hutton reveals the long development, rapid suppression, and enduring cultural significance of paganism, from the Paleolithic Era to the coming of Christianity. He draws on an array of recently discovered evidence and shows how new findings have radically transformed understandings of belief and ritual in Britain before the arrival of organized religion.
 
Setting forth a chronological narrative, Hutton along the way makes side visits to explore specific locations of ancient pagan activity. He includes the well-known sacred sites Stonehenge, Avebury, Seahenge, Maiden Castle, Anglesey as well as more obscure locations across the mainland and coastal islands. In tireless pursuit of the elusive why” of pagan behavior, Hutton astonishes with the breadth of his understanding of Britain’s deep past and inspires with the originality of his insights.

About this title

Book Description

In this enthralling account of paganism in Britain from the Paleolithic Age to the arrival of Christianity, the author explores new evidence concerning pagan beliefs and rituals and the meanings of such sacred sites as Stonehenge and Avebury.

About the Author

Ronald Hutton is professor of history, University of Bristol, and a leading authority on ancient, medieval, and modern paganism. He lives in Bristol, UK.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0300197713
• ISBN 13: 9780300197716
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 496