Newgrange: Archaeology, Art and Legend

by Michael J. O'Kelly

.

Genres: Archaeology, Nonfiction, History, Irish Literature

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1983

Reviews

[Mesoscope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excellent book provides a lavishly-illustrated and thorough account of the Neolithic Newgrange passage grave in Meath County, presented by the archaeologist responsible for its extensive excavation and controversial restoration between approximately 1961-75. The work is a bit out-of-date due to its age. Many specialists today would contest O'Kelly's "restoration" of the dramatic retaining wall on the Boyne-facing side of the site. Nonetheless, this book gives an extremely thorough accounting of the contents of the site as a whole, the condition of the find when it was excavated, and what little we know or may surmise about its construction, and the people who built it. This is a very worthy read for anyone interested in the site.

[BRT · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing more amazing than a 5000 year old, (older than Stonehenge & the pyramids of Egypt,) passage tomb surviving to the present day in a relatively original state is the meticulous, loving, and scrupulous care with which the archaeologists and Ireland's Office of Public Works investigated and restored the tomb to a pristine condition. This book sets forth in detailed scientific but understandable terms, with copious pictures & diagrams, the history of the tomb and it's restoration. My husband and I were privileged to have gained entry to the tomb last year. The experience left me awestruck. Then I read this book and realized how much more incredible our experience was.

[Logophile (Heather) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great collection of photos and an account from the archaeologist who was responsible for the recording and restoration of Newgrange.