Flag Fen: Life and Death of a Prehistoric Landscape

Flag Fen is a site of major importance in Bronze Age archaeology. It is a quite major visitor attraction (near Peterborough) that offers, in its Preservation Hall, a direct view of a small section of the very long causeway that was built over a long period some thousands of years ago.Francis Pryor is to be credited with leading the uncovering and analysis of the site. This book, which is as much personal history and anecdote as archaeology, gives an account of his work and the everyday working conditions of the teams of people who have excavated at different times.The determinedly accessible approach makes this a lighter read than expected. Everyone will respond differently but, in the end, I found the more personal comments intrusive. There are also some rather obvious plugs for the author's other books, e.g. in the paragraph that begins as far in the book as page 45 with, "At this point in the story I must introduce myself."What would have been welcome is a little more than a way of archaeological discussion. For example, there is much more to be said about the extent to which this site had religious significance (or otherwise). Some of the detail that appears in English Heritage reports could also have found their way into this account without changing its introductory nature too much.

An excellent insight into this important archaeological site, interestingly written by Francis Pryor. He gives a very human touch and insight to a site which has been a passion of his for many years. Very informative and a great insight into the discovery and development of the site, not only from the perspective of and important Bronze Age find, but also as a successful visitor centre today. If you're interested in the archaeology of Flag Fen and it's importance in Bronze Age Britain, this is the book for you!

Francis Pryor's face and his enthusiasm are familiar to fans of Time Team. However, to really understand his encyclopedic erudition and the clarity of his mind one needs to read this beautifully-written book. Flag Fen is put into its huge geographic and chronological context and Francis's vast experience becomes real even to the non-specialist reader.

Extremely interesting must read for Pre-history reading

Very interesting, gives a real insight into neolithic and bronze age communities.

To begin with this book is a little dull and stodgy. The first couple of chapters focus on the aims of the book, the processes of archaeological survey and excavation needed on such a site as Flag Fen and the current theories on the people from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Francis Pryor is very passionate about his work, and at times he's so passionate, that the details in the book become slightly repetitive.However, stick with the book and by the time you've finished it, you will feel it has been well worth the money. From the excavation techniques and the changes of technique and theory over the last 30 years of digging the Flag Fen site and sub-sites. This book is a story of how all those finds and theories came together to present the current interpretation of the site. This book is in fact a rewrite of the book Francis Pryor wrote in 1991.There are LOTS of photos, both colour and black and white; of the various excavation sites and stages, and of all the amazing finds.Ultimately this is an excellent book for anyone with an interest in the pre-Roman landscape and culture of Britain's Fenland...with lots of subsections within the chapters discussing most areas and theories on Bronze Age life in relation to the excavation finds.