Sacred Land - by Martin Palmer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

SACRED LAND will enable you to discover the hidden secrets and meaning of the landscape around you, town or country, modern or old, wherever you live in Britain. There has been a dramatic growth in interest in our own history, buildings, landscape, sacred places, beliefs and culture over the last few years and this book will equip you with the tools to unlock the meaning, stories and history that are literally embedded in our landscape. It takes us from street names to churches; from hill forts to burial mounds; from the way a road bends to the shapes of fields in order to understand better the land that lies beneath our feet. In the literal shape of our countryside can be detected the eddies of time, politics, belief, warfare, passion and the durability of the human existence.
SACRED LAND is a fascinating, accessible read and the perfect reference guide to have in your home or in your car. It will be of interest to everyone who loves history, sacred places and sacred history, and those who like to explore their ancestry and roots.

From the Back Cover

The British landscape has extraordinary stories to tell, if you know how to read them

In Sacred Land, Martin Palmer takes you on a unique journey through England, Scotland and Wales. From long barrows and stone circles to the design of towns and churches, our landscape reflects how the people of Britain once believed themselves - and all they created - to be part of a greater, more sacred story. This fascinating book helps you to understand how those beliefs have shaped, and continue to shape, our world - and how you can unravel those stories in the landscape and buildings around you.

Discover:
The four great stories that have shaped Britain's landscape over the past 7000 years - and how to uncover the traces of them in your local area. How the countryside reveals its ancient past through its fields, farms and villages.Why many of the rivers in Britain are named after the same goddesses as rivers in India.The auspicious directions which have shaped the layout of almost all British towns and cities.What churches and graveyards reveal about changing beliefs over the centuries.
Packed with information and insights, and a gazetteer of places to visit, Sacred Land is a lively, practical guide to reading the landscape around you, wherever you live in Britain.

A Piatkus Original

History

978 0 7499 5292 1
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Review Quotes

Sacred Landis a profound elegy on the true nature of our landscape as well as being a timely reminder that we should 'walk more gently upon the face of the earth'. I was profoundly moved by it--Spectator

A wonderful read - intensively researched and inspirationally written, it offers a fascinating insight into our sacred history. Martin's incredible knowledge and storytelling ability shine through - you will never look at a landscape or building in the same way again!--Miranda Krestovnikoff, television presenter, natural historian and author

Martin Palmer challenges you to see, experience and relate to the British landscape for yourself... Sacred Land is not just a checklist of romantic sites with ancient associations, but a book lit up by a passionate sense of urgency that we must learn to honour our land with some of the zeal of our ancestors if we are to survive--Barnaby Rogerson of Country Life

Martin Palmer makes a first-rate and unusual tour guide. Sacred Land leads us through the broad sweep of centuries, even millennia, of historical analysis, as well as along gentle and reflective strolls, on trails to be found in places from cities to hamlets. Along the way, clues to the spiritual significance of the sites and features are identified, enriching not only this journey but also providing the foundation for discovering our own insights when we go walking ourselves.--David Nussbaum, Chief Executive, WWF-UK

The modern world has followed the path of secular materialism for a considerable time. Now we have reached a cul-de-sac. Here comes Martin Palmer as a guide to show us a new way to see the world and develop a sense of the sacred. Nature is not there just for our use, it is a sacred gift to celebrate. Sacred Land is informative, enlightening and inspiring - I read this book and saw the earth in a completely new light. Unless we develop a sense of the sacred, our environmental, economic and social problems will continue to intensify and humanity will find itself increasingly dissatisfied, whereas a sense of the sacred brings joy and delight in everyday life. Martin Palmer's beautifully written book is a companion to help us at a great turning point.--Satish Kumar, Editor in Chief, Resurgence magazine

About the Author

Martin Palmer is a writer, broadcaster and prolific translator of Chinese classics, as well as being secretary general of one of the world's most unusual environmental charities - ARC, the Alliance of Religions and Conservation. He lives in Somerset, very close to one of England's most impressive Neolithic long barrows.