Like Norse legends and the writing of JRR Tolkien condensed together in one book.  Yes, I’ve just ordered a hardback book which I already have a really good idea of the contents; however this way I can sideline the material content and just savour the literary genius.    http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Sigurd-Gudrun-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0547273428  ( Read more... )

So, my estimate of the prehistoric peoples was somewhere along the lines of the popular culture image of sub intelligent, unskilled and underdeveloped in religion, art, science and technology before I started having to study them properly at University.  As my minds been on a prehistoric bent for the last few days, here's some of the stuff I ( Read more... )

It's been a while since I've made an archaeology focussed post, but with the recent report of this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8047319.stm it seems an ideal time :)
Venus figurines: usually exaggurated female forms in clay, or carved from bone.  The smart type academics wax lyrical, but it tends to boil down to 'we don't know exactly, so ( Read more... )

With the town library closing for four whole days over the Easter break, It's time for me to stock up on recent stuff and snaffle some more to tide me over the holiday.  I've just finished The Learners by Chip Kidd ( http://www.amazon.com/Learners-Novel-Chip-Kidd/dp/0743255240 ) Which is worth a mention, although the graphic design references are ( Read more... )

Ok, here's the question: the big one , the zen question which should (if I judge this right) provoke many extreme (either way) responses, so here goes ( Read more... )

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=1991
So, it's Ostara or the Vernal Equinox and the official beginning of Spring.  Time for the promises of Autumn to begin showing growth, and the days to head towards the peak of summer.  I'm eagerly watching the progress of the daffodils in the small flower bed we have, and have begun ( Read more... )

So, Google have managed to plans streets for cities and towns in the UK in three dimensions.  Aside from the current valid debates about privacy and personal security, as an archaeologist I'm looking a this a little differently:  what an utterly amazing resource.  To be able to view street plans, clothing trends, architecture, vehicle designs, ( Read more... )

...or rather book.  I've borrowed a copy of Tideland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tideland from the library recently.  I began reading it last night, and got about halfway through before I realised what time it was and reluctantly put it down.  It's very surreal in a beautifully childlike logical way, and the fact that Terry Gilliam was involved in ( Read more... )

Twilight by William Gay - it's a gothic novel set in the Deep South - the claustrophobic emptiness shines through in use of language, setting and characterisation.  Unsettling and disturbing, because I can imagine places not to far of being like this... 
Sabriel by Garth Nix - well worth the read, and the following two are sat waiting to be read ( Read more... )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc

The mid point of the Dark half of the year, and time to mark the beginning of the ascent into summer :)
( Imbolc )