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Temples of Stone: Exploring the Megalithic Monuments of Ireland by Carleton Jones (2013-07-15) Paperback – January 1, 1892

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

In Temples of Stone, the world of the megaliths and the megalith builders is brought to life in a fully illustrated, popular format. All the key sites in Ireland are discussed and over too 'Sites Worth Visiting' are listed in the final chapter with photographs, maps and detailed directions.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01NH0A1ZO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Collins Pr (January 1, 1892)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

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Carleton Jones
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
13 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2008
This lavishly-illustrated book details the history, distribution, form and content of Irish megalithic monuments, most of which contain some human remains, and are therefore classed as tombs. But as archeologist author Carleton Jones makes clear, these were much more than tombs. By studying them, we can learn a great deal about the people who built them: their social structure, worldview, and something of their beliefs and rituals as well. Don't expect gauzy twaddle about ancient goddesses and magic here. Jones is a serious archeologist; his work is theoretically informed by the processual and post-processual schools (groups of scholars who look at archeological remains for what they can tell us about the social origins of cultural change, and groups of scholars who use archeological data to hypothesize about ancient beliefs, rituals and human experiences). It is very clear when the author is laying out facts, and when he is hypothesizing or offering interpretations. What I liked is that he is also honest about what we DON'T know about the peoples who built these monuments. Still, it's fascinating to speculate about these ancient humans whose beliefs and practices were so different from our own -- and who, as humans, shared many of our own concerns and experiences, from creating and maintaining group identities to memorializing their dead. Gorgeous color photographs, black-and-white diagrams, tables and road maps enhance this book. The author provides detailed directions for locating each monument, including driving maps and indications of whether you will need Wellies (rubber boots) to visit the site. If you plan to travel to Ireland, photocopy the section in the back with the maps and locations of the monuments so you can make sure to visit some (the book itself is rather heavy and impractical to pack in luggage).
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2011
I am so happy to have purchased this book. I've been fascinated by these megaliths for years. This book illustrates these stones of wonder in a visual & verbal tones anyone would enjoy. The photographs are beautiful and well done with calculations of size & location with various fragments of tools & pottery found in the areas. The maps in back show where these monuments rise giving the reader to evaluate the relationship to other stones across the county. This is a must to get!!
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2012
This gorgeous tome is meant for lavishing the senses on history, while giving the traveler EXACT specifications on where and how (geographic conditions) to approach the megaliths. It's brilliant, but not portable. [Delivery ontime and safe.]
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2008
An excellent descriptive survey of megalithic monuments and neolithic tombs of Ireland. Whether amateur or professional, or you simply possess a curiosity regarding ancient Irish culture, this book will be highly informative and enjoyable. There is wonderful detail about ancient sites in all counties, as well as a handy "finders guide" included in the book to help locate tombs and sites that are off the beaten path. Though the neolithic 'celebrity' sites are included, the many details on the lesser-known passage graves and wedge tombs sets this book apart. Beautifully written, both professionals and everyday enthusiasts will gain much from it. Excellent photos, diagrams, and I appreciated that the author focused on the significance and role that the surrounding landscape may have played in how the sites for these monuments may have been chosen. If you have an interest in this time period and want to be inspired further, I highly recommend Temples of Stone. Now, If Amazon would just correct the typo in the subtitle...
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2009
Temples of Stone is a book of very high production quality. It is filled will great photographs and illustrations. It also includes a remarkably thorough list of tomb sites with directions to facilitate visits and a series of color maps covering the entire country.

The book includes some detail that only an archaeologist could love. However the author goes beyond the academic to provide interesting interpretations of structural design, neolithic art and the setting within the landscape.

It's a great reference book for those who have a strong interest in the megaliths of Western Europe.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

AHH
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2016
A very well-written book whose relevance goes beyond Ireland, speculating on the religion and society of the rest of Britain and Western Europe. Excellent illustrations, informative and thought-provoking text with a level-headed exposition of possibilities rather than a partisan and biased viewpoint. There is also a useful gazeteer with directions to the most interesting sites. Extremely enjoyable.
3 people found this helpful
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Patricia O
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2016
Detailed and good illustrations
One person found this helpful
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C A H
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 29, 2015
Excellent book...as I had hoped. :-)
One person found this helpful
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Anon
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 21, 2015
A great book.
One person found this helpful
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