Synopsis (from the book cover):

Older than the pyramids and predating Stonehenge by at least a thousand years, the stone complexes of ancient Ireland have been extensively excavated and studied, ye they have refused to give up their mystery. Archaeologists have speculated that the chambers were tombs. Art historians have tried to interpret the enigmatic designs painstakingly carved into the faces of the stones. But the real function of these ancient structures can be understood only when the art and the architecture are seen to be parts of a unified whole.

Through a combination of careful observation, analysis of the astronomical alignment of the sites, and insightful interpretation of the megalithic symbols and carvings, Brennan argues that the mounds and art are interconnected, sophisticated calendar devices. At critical times of the year, the rising or setting sun projects beams of light into the inner chambers of the mounds, illuminating specific images carved on the stones. Those images – seemingly abstract wheels, spirals, and very wavy lines – suggest provocative new insights into their makers’ understanding of celestial cycles and the importance of those cycles in human affairs.

Review:

In the book the author explores the rock carvings and how they are aligned in the landscape and to their celestial orientation. His research and observations reveal that the ancient builders understood the yearly celestial cycles and carved them as markers on the stones. The book also reveals that the chambers themselves were aligned to specific solar and lunar events.

The book is a fascinating read complete with numerous diagrams and photographs to illustrate the research.

When I visited Stonehenge I was tempted and bought this book from the shop.

Synopsis:

More than 30 years ago on the remote plains of southern Alberta, Canada, scientist Gordon Freeman discovered a Sun Temple. His study of the site led him to find incredible similarities to Stonehenge. Canada’s Stonehenge not only predates England’s Stonehenge by about 800 years, but also predates Egypt’s pyramids. Freeman discovers that 5000 years ago Britons and Plains Indians made precise astronomical observations at these two sites halfway around the world from each other at nearly the same latitude.

In his 30-year quest to understand these two sites, Gordon Freeman has measured, photographed and made many recordings of Sun rises and sets through the Stonehenge structure. He discovered a complete solar calendar, the same calendar as the 5200-year-old one in Canada. The observer does not stand within Stonehenge Circle, watching the Sun rise and set through the relatively large gaps between the Stones. He stands outside the Circle, observing the dates on which the first and last flashes of the rising and setting Sun cross lines marked by narrow slits that cross the entire stone structure. Freeman finds the artistry of the calendrical construction astonishing.

Review:

I found the book fascinating. The author reveals unexpected astronomical alignments between the stones and the manmade features in the wider landscape, including alignments with the mysterious cursus which allowed me to view that feature in a new light. As mentioned in the title the author’s journey started at a North American site, familiar to him. His journey took him to Stonehenge and other sites including Newgrange and the Preseli Mountains where the bluestones of Stonehenge originated. His findings at the various sites make interesting reading.

The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs and maps illustrating his findings.