Adam Thorpe is a novelist and poet, whose books include the ground-breaking Ulverton.

Written by two experts with unrivalled information and knowledge of Silbury Hill, and combining scholarly research and readable narrative, this book sets out the archaeological story of Silbury: from an early recognition of its importance to antiquarian and archaeological investigations of the hill. The book describes each event, setting it within its own historical and political context; the story of the monument is juxtaposed with the enigmatic and eccentric characters of the time. The collapse on the summit in 2000, leading to the opening of the hill's famous tunnel in 2007 to much media fanfare, is covered. For the first time the results of the recent work are set out in detail, describing early activity on the site, the origins of the monument and the construction techniques used. Numerous new and vivid reconstruction drawings present a unique interpretation of this iconic prehistoric monument. The book also describes how the monument was seen and used by later communities, from the Roman small town that grew up around the hill - the inhabitants quite literally living in its shadow - to medieval buildings on the summit. The final chapter discusses what Silbury means to people today: its power and spirituality for locals, visitors, New Agers and Druids alike.

Silbury Hill is an enormous earthen mound that is situated in the heart of the Marlborough Downs, and set today within the Avebury World Heritage Site. This academic monograph will provide a full account of the recent archaeological investigations.

Silbury, the biggest mystery in prehistoric Britain, here solved and enhanced

Avebury in Wiltshire is best known as the world's largest stone circle, but surrounding it is a wealth of ancient monuments. Captivated by its unique atmosphere, many visitors form a personal, often spiritual, connection to Avebury and its 'sacred landscape'. What was it that first attracted people to the Avebury area more than 5,000 years ago?Beautifully illustrated with over 400 photographs, maps and diagrams, Exploring Avebury invites us on a journey of discovery. For the first time the importance of water, light and sound is revealed, and we begin to see Avebury through the eyes of those who built it.

"Avebury parish in Wiltshire contains the most amazing collection of Stone Age monuments to be found anywhere in the world. Taking into account recent discoveries, this new edition of Michael Dames's acclaimed study explores the mystery of the Avebury monuments and reveals their collective purpose. Making skillful use of archaeology, ethnography, and folklore, Dames argues that the monuments were key elements in the worship of the Great Goddess, each representing a different aspect of the annual fertility cycle corresponding to the chronological year"--Back cover.

The Stone Age monuments at Avebury in Wiltshire are world-famous, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Two of the most dramatic are the enormous burial chamber known as the West Kennet Long Barrow, and Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe. Less well known is Silbury's 'sister' mound at Marlborough a few miles due east, but this is nothing less than the legendary burial place of Merlin. These extraordinary sites are the key locations of the novel 'Merlin's Mound', in which an adolescent is awakened in startling fashion to their meaning and original purpose. It will appeal to everyone from the protagonist's age upward with a taste for myth, legend and visions.

In this unique guide to Britain's megalithic culture, rock n' roller Julian Cope provides an inspired fusion of travel, history, poetry, maps, field notes, and pure passion.