Neolithic Britain

by Caroline Malone

This is a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the archaeology of the first farming communities in Britain and Ireland. Aimed towards the student readership, this book provides an account of the archaeology of Britain and Ireland over the period c.4000-2000 BC. The Neolothic is presented as a transformation of economic and technical customs and skills that led to new levels of social complexity and monument building. The chapters introduce many of the current debates and discussions in Neolithic studies, but these are set against the secure base of the rich archaeological record which is described and illustrated. Material is presented through case studies in chapters on landscape change and economic diversity, causewayed enclosures, settlement and houses, the classic Neolithic monuments (barrows and megalithic tombs, henges, cursues, stone circles), and the complex range of artefacts that characterise the Neolithic. The wider issues of the Neolithic are set in context, and the reader will be able to assess the evidence and variety of the archaeology of Britain and Ireland against the broad trends of Europe and beyond. Lists of sites and museums to visit and an extensive bibliography offer opportunities for further research and exploration.

Genres: Archaeology

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful overview, in which the main argument seems to be 'we know a lot, but there's so much more we could find out'.

[Derek Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A textbook reviewing the archaeological issues of the Neolithic era: agricultural issues and land use, settlement patterns, burial practice, monument building, and tool making are all examined. Short shrift is given to any theories that Malone sees as fanciful. There's a short gazetteer of sites and museums. Ideal for serious students, less than perfect for casual readers - but its quite browsable.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent detail, very readable