Megalithic cairns, ancient earthworks, Bronze Age burial chambers, Stonehenge--these mysterious, awe-inspiring monuments in their remote British settings have long exercised a powerful hold on people's imagination. In this lavishly illustrated atlas, John Manley provides a beautiful and highly informative account of prehistoric British culture, revealing how the evidence of monuments, excavations and artefacts sheds light on the technological development, social organization, military exploits, and religious practices of these long-departed peoples. Ranging from 300,000 B.C. and the earliest indications of prehistoric culture, to the final Roman conquest in 43 A.D., and covering Wales, Scotland, and Ireland as well as England, Manley makes use of the latest research in archeaology to interpret Britain's prehistoric heritage for the nonspecialist reader. He describes the earliest bands who hunted artic fox, woolly rhinoceros, and mammoth and often lived in caves such as Picken's Hole in Somerset; the first farming communities dating back to 4000 B.C.; the construction of Stonehenge, which required thousands of workers to drag huge sandstone blocks across the countryside; and the hill-top settlements, or hillforts, and the warrior-chiefs who ruled them. The maps, site plans and reconstruction drawings have been specially commissioned to combine clarity with an attractive style, and they are closely integrated with Manley's text. The photographs are particularly striking; they capture the magic and haunting presence of the past. Beautifully illustrated, vividly narrated, and completely up to date, The Atlas interprets and celebrates Britain's amazingly rich prehistoric heritage. It will enthrall anyone fascinated by ancient ruins, Stonehenge, and the mysteries of the past.

This illustrated history of the development of British society looks particularly at the properties of the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland. These include Avebury in Wiltshire, Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire and Kellie Castle in Fife. The text includes cameo pieces on life at Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire, monasticism at Mount Grace Priory and the medieval diet, while maps help convey historical and archaeological information with clarity.

"The prehistoric past of the British Isles has long been a source of wonder. In this new and richly illustrated book, John Manley makes full use of all the latest discoveries to provide an up-to-date, informative and highly readable account of prehistoric Britain and Ireland, from the first meagre evidence of hunter-gatherers to the sophisticated society that the Romans encountered on their invasion of Britain in 43 AD"--Book jacket.

From it's beginnings as an accumulation of molten space debris over 4.6 billion years ago, the Earth has undergone astounding transformations, both geological and biological, to arrive at its familiar look today. The Discovery Channel's Atlas of the Prehistoric World is a dynamic portrait of the Earth and the interplay among the various forces that shaped both the planet and the life upon it. Atlas of the Prehistoric World is divided into three major sections, each of which offers a distinctive look at our planet's pre-history. In "The Changing Globe" computer -generated global maps track the Earth's shift in topography during eighteen different geological periods.... From the rise of mountain ranges to the creation of new oceans, the world takes on its different faces through the course of eons. "Life on Earth" chronicles the evolution of plant and animal life, from the first single-celled microbes to land-dwelling mammals. Each of the Earth's major geological eras is profiled in its own chapter, which depicts the life forms that developed as continents drifted, volcanoes erupted, and meteorites crashed to the surface. Specially commissioned panoramic illustrations take "snapshots" of life at a particular time and place....These...reflect the latest scientific thinking about how creatures from each period would have appeared, bringing to life animals and plantlife we can otherwise see only as fossils. "Earth Fact File," an indispensable gazetteer, explains important Earth science concepts and provides a useful tool for understanding prehistory. Accompanied by over 250 full-color photographs and illustrations and 68 maps, the Discovery Channel's Atlas of the PrehistoricWorld is a unique must-have resource for any family member.

This work takes the reader on a journey back into time to see the Earth as it was. Chapter openers reveal the clues that have enabled scientists to uncover the Earth's secret history, reconstructions show the important flora and fauna of each period, and feature spreads explore events of interest.

Take a tour of the British Isles with this stylish, fact-filled atlas. Lively illustrations and colourful picture maps allow you to explore famous landmarks, towns and cities, wildlife, customs and history along the way. Illustrations: Full colour throughout

Take a tour of the British Isles with this entertaining atlas and 300-piece jigsaw, with hundreds of animals, landmarks and attractions to spot. The sturdy box contains a vividly illustrated jigsaw of a map of Britain and Ireland, plus a 24-page picture atlas showing each region with towns and cities, rivers, flags and other details. (The Picture Atlas of Great Britain and Ireland is also available separately.)