Stonehenge

Wooden Books

by Robin Heath

Once part of a large culture of stone circles, Stonehenge―built around 3000 B.C. and developed over the next 1,500 years―is the most famous. The remains of a once-wealthy and evidently learned tribal community, it reflects the apparently disparate subjects of archaeology, astronomy, metrology, sacred geometry, and even shamanism. How were eclipses predicted at Stonehenge? Why were some stones brought all the way from Wales? What is the secret geometry of seven eights? These and many other questions are answered―and Stonehenge's secrets revealed―in this fascinating small book.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Robin Heath has a science degree, and has written several books based on research into the astronomy and architecture of megalithic sites. Sun, Moon & Earth and the best selling Stonehenge are published by Wooden Books and Walker & Co, NY. A recent book, The Measure of Albion, co-written with John Michell, looks at the evidence for ancient wisdom in prehistoric Britain. Robin undertakes guided tours to megalithic and Celtic sites for Sky and Landscape and lectures widely on cultural astronomy and astrology at Oxford University and Bath Spa University College, in addition to less formal venues .

Reviews

[blondie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Μια περιεκτική ματιά στο Στόουνχεντζ και στο μυστήριο που το περιβάλλει. Αρεκτά καλή προσέγγιση και ανάλυση
#readathon18 Ένα βιβλίο με λιγότερες από 80 σελίδες.

[Nayeli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book at Stonehenge, in part because I liked the Wooden Books series and also just to get something from the gift shop really (lol?). The information in this small book is good enough to understand a bit about the history of the stone monument, even though a lot about it is mostly mystery. The images are also great. It’s all in bite-sized quick chapters and if you want to go deeper into anything you’ll have to search elsewhere, but it’s a good starting point. Also the math explanations lost me, but I suppose some people might find them interesting and convincing.

[Nighteye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intressant historiamässigt med alla fakta men still större delen väldig flummig med alla nummer och riktningar, säkert finns det någon sanning i det men han drar lite väl osannolika slutsatser i boken.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this tiny book when I visited Stonehenge to learn more about the magnificent structure. Wow, there was a lot of geometry involved in creating Stonehenge! Not only there, but other places in England, Scotland, and Wales use the same geometry that (get this) also tell the seasons by a geometric calendar that track eclipses as well as sun and moon patterns! It was truly fascinating to read about! Even though the language (specifically at the beginning) is a bit dry & logical, it was well worth the time taken to discover more about Stonehenge. My only complaint is that the print accompanying the pictures is so small it's hard to read sometimes, so keep a magnifying glass handy when you read it!

[Harmony Rasuna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about the Stonehenge, the wood Henge near the Stonehenge, the Aubrey Circle and Sacred Geometry used in the Stonehenge as well as other stone cirlces. Also about the research done by Alexander Thom, John Aubrey and William Stukely. I like this book less than Evelyn Franciss book about Avebury. There is too much maths in this book. The history of the stone cirlces is interesting. I recommend this book to people who want to do some reading about the Stonehenge before going there.

[Anne Lydolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this gave me an urge to go visit Stonehenge, the book itself does have some quaint literary decisions. Such as including the phrase "eclipse predictions rule OK!" making the author sound more like an excited high schooler writing a paper than an adult explaining the intricate math behind the placements of the stones and how it relates to the lunar eclipses.
The art work is stunning and does well in portraying the true wonder this structure is.

[Caitlin McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly informative and fascinating. A good balance between mathematical evidence and a culmination of sustained historical analysis. I enjoyed the comparison and contrast that was drawn to the progression of theories– it’s interesting to observe how we as humans have tried to piece together our own story and recover our own history.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, new-agey book picked up from the visitor’s shop at Stonehenge. A brisk walk through the ways in which the monument attests to the sophistication of the culture that erected it: geometry, astronomy, etc. Filled with illustrations reproduced from antiquarian books. Not bad for tourist fare.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These little pocket Wooden Books are great little reads to inform while traveling. And when you acquire more than one, you have a nice little collection after returning home. They are packed with quick, easy to digest information. And the woodcut illustrations are detailed and evocative.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire history and research concerning this ancient lanscape and mysterious location!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, informative read. Nice illustrations.

[Elysia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and concise but the explanations were not 100% beginner friendly.

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book and easy read, serving as a great introduction to Stonehenge and it’s mysteries.

[Lauren Burridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, but doesn't answer any actual questions about who or how. Decent read.

[Lorna Merrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a bit disappointed in the amount of maths when there is so much history and archaeology to explore, and it felt like a missed opportunity.

[Siti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing but too simplified

[Paul]

Not sure what the other reviewers meant by new age mumbo jumbo...This book is composed of woodcuts and diagrams alongside short vignettes about various aspects of Stonehenge that, without going into detail or attempting to be cimprehensive, explain the geometric and astronomical functions of Stonehenge that are being rediscovered. The writing contains no mumbo jumbo that I could find and frankly such characterizations point to narrow minds. Heath was very clear and analytical when lluminating the sophistication of the Neolithic cultures and the possible uses for Stonehenge in tracking the movements of and interactions between the Sun and the Moon. No astrology there, just basic math and astronomy that would have been obvious to people who by necessity were very closely in touch with seasonal cycles.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so fascinated by Stonehenge, always have been, and this book made me even more so. Very quick read, not much detail, but it has some very interesting factoids. Totally an appetite-whetter, and now I wanna learn all about it.

[Marco Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very General but it cover all the basics from Stonehenge, good and fast to read.
And we could find it in Mexico City at Biblioteca Vasconcelos, that its good =), there is no need to spend money in basic readings, we could always have it at our reach.

=)

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cool little book about Stonehenge. Interesting theories about the history!

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

super tiny, great woodcuts, very fun!

[Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a brief look at Stonehenge. Not a whole lot to this little book, but can be used as an introduction to the subject.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short introduction to Stonehenge with some nice antiquarian woodcuts. Well written in the main but full of new age mumbo jumbo about the astrological uses of the monument.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick and interesting read on Stonehenge and the current theory behind how the stones were placed.

[Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little dry from time to time. Overall, this was an enlightening piece of literature that truly showcases our capacity as humans to accomplish wondrous acts.

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and dirty little guide on the mysteries of Stonehenge. He discusses what is known and what is thought about these circles. He doesn't go too in depth with this particular book, but he does list other books that you can go for extensive reading.