Product Description

This new, revised and updated edition of
Cornovia is eagerly awaited by those many
people who have an interest in Cornwall's
ancient past. Combining as it does the work
first published in two volumes (Cornovia and its
sister work Belerion), this new book is one of
the most complete guides to individual historic
sites to be found in Cornwall and Scilly, and is
ideally suited to those wishing to visit the sites
themselves. This new edition explores almost
250 sites, with an explanation of each, along
with detailed maps, plans and colour photographs
specially prepared for this edition.
The original books quickly became standard
works of their kind, being reprinted and remaining
in print for almost two decades. The author
has brought Cornovia into the 21st century and
it will undoubtedly also become a bestseller.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #115222 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

A marvellous update
Craig Weatherhill has updated and combined his two previous books covering the archaeology of Cornwall: Cornovia and Belerion. Craig is, among many things, a skilled surveyor and has recorded a substantial number of the archaeological sites in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with sketches, notes and details of how to find them. The new edition is in a larger format and is now in colour replete with some marvellous photographs. The book design is also a delight with good quality paper and clear typesetting.
A particular reason to upgrade from the previous editions is the inclusion, I believe uniquely, of photographs by Mike Anders in the West Cornwall section. Mike is a photographer who has specialised in archaeological remains and who uses a technique of raising the camera high above the subject using a special pole. The effect can be seen in the image of Boscawen-un circle where it is much easier to understand the surrounding context.
Even if you have the previous books I think you will greatly enjoy the new edition and I strongly recommend it.

Not quite as advertised
This is a colourful gazeteer of many of the prehistoric monuments in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and is very attractive with lots of colour photos. It also has a useful long introduction to the sites and the time periods they represent.
However, for those who know the book in its previous incarnations, 'Bolerian' and 'Cornovia', it's not entirely in keeping with the blurb which states that this new edition is a combination of the earlier books. It isn't entirely, because numerous sites are missing that were there in the originals. For example, in the West Cornwall section (the previous 'Bolerian'), all the stone crosses are omitted - the author states there are too many to make room for - but numerous other sites are left out as well. It is a little disingenuous therefore to also describe the book as one of the most comprehensive on the subject. Maybe I'm a completist and this matter might not bother those who don't know the earlier books (which I still find myself referring to). However, the new book has some updated material for some of the sites, and also a few corrections, especially such as measurements.