First Light
The Origins of Newgrange
Published on 14. May 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
210 pages
978-1-78297-951-7 (ISBN)
Description
Newgrange in Ireland is a world famous monument not only because of its vast scale and elaborate megalithic art, but also because of its renowned alignment to the sun on the winter solstice. Yet the origins of Newgrange remain somewhat mysterious. Across Ireland over two hundred similar passage tombs are found, some of which are considerably older than Newgrange. These less investigated monuments reveal that the origins of Newgrange may be hidden in plain sight. A progression in the scale and sophistication of construction of these passage tombs, developments in the styles of megalithic art, and an increase in the scale and craftsmanship of associated artefacts may be observed, which taken together indicate a lengthy process of development. In short, Robert Hensey uncovers an untold history at Newgrange; an island-wide story of incremental changes over hundreds of years, of a society in evolution, perhaps in extremis, who left behind such a rich, enigmatic and patterned legacy.
This book not only charts the earlier history of Newgrange, but addresses why it was constructed, what was its purpose. In the Boyne Valley, through Newgrange and related sites at Bruna Boinne, we have evidence not only of extraordinary physical accomplishments, but of tremendous acts of imagination; a testament to rich and developed inner worlds. In this book, it is proposed that the concept of an otherworld which could be embodied by and accessed through passage tombs was a central motivator in passage tomb construction from its earliest beginnings. Newgrange is at the end of a long tradition of monuments dedicated to the religious needs of Neolithic communities, from small-scale monuments built by early farming groups; to potent otherworld centres of ritual training at the edge of society; eventually to temple-like monuments standing at the very heart of the religious and political sphere in Neolithic Ireland.
Challenging both orthodox archaeological opinions and popular conjecture, this will be an important book for anyone interested in Neolithic archaeology.
This book not only charts the earlier history of Newgrange, but addresses why it was constructed, what was its purpose. In the Boyne Valley, through Newgrange and related sites at Bruna Boinne, we have evidence not only of extraordinary physical accomplishments, but of tremendous acts of imagination; a testament to rich and developed inner worlds. In this book, it is proposed that the concept of an otherworld which could be embodied by and accessed through passage tombs was a central motivator in passage tomb construction from its earliest beginnings. Newgrange is at the end of a long tradition of monuments dedicated to the religious needs of Neolithic communities, from small-scale monuments built by early farming groups; to potent otherworld centres of ritual training at the edge of society; eventually to temple-like monuments standing at the very heart of the religious and political sphere in Neolithic Ireland.
Challenging both orthodox archaeological opinions and popular conjecture, this will be an important book for anyone interested in Neolithic archaeology.
Reviews / Votes
This book brings clarity and authority to the topic of passage tombs and their place in Irish and wider European prehistory. The content, based on an exemplary research paradigm, will make essential reading for the broad range of disciplines and practitioners... * Journal of Skyscape Archaeology * In this book, Robert Hensey takes a fresh and exiting approach to Newgrange, building on existing data but focusing much more comprehensively on where this exceptional monument has come from. Drawing widely from anthropology, ethnography, archaeological theory, and the latest archaeological data, Hensey makes bold suggestions challenging long-held truisms. The text is open, accessible, and well illustrated throughout, and moves the discussion about Newgrange to a new level by focusing on the monument's long and involved gestation. A very welcome addition to the Newgrange corpus, this book will help to set the agenda for the discussion of the monument for the foreseeable future. * Current Archaeology * First Light ultimately succeeds in delivering an intelligent, accessible and up-to-date account of the context to Newgrange, arguably Ireland's most iconic ancient monument. * Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society * Drawing on a wide range of material from anthropology, environmental archaeology, and religious theory, the book challenges and informs in equal measure, and sets a high standard for future volumes in this series. Whether it is to be an introduction for the novice or student, or a stimulating read for the seasoned academic, 'First Light: The Origins of Newgrange' comes highly recommended. * European Journal of Archaeology * It is well written and illustrated, and accessible to readers with or without an academic or professional background in prehistoric archaeology... Hensey's book will be invaluable in a variety of ways, and to many different categories of reader. * Journal of Irish Archaeology * This is more than a book about Newgrange. Robert Hensey argues, quite rightly, that to understand the great Neolithic tomb, you need to see beyond a single site, to the island-wide context of Irish passage tombs. He achieves this elegantly, providing a good and concise synthesis of recent research melded with provocative ideas...The result is a very readable account, with some striking images of tombs, art and landscape. ...By setting Newgrange in its wider historical and archaeological context, Hensey brings new life to this very public symbol. * British Archaeology Review * This work provides enough insight into Ireland's ancient monuments to enable one to gain an understanding of one of the most spectacular achievements of its Neolithic peoples, the 5,000-year-old Newgrange in County Meath. * balances academic rigourand depth of knowledge withlooser, more personal passagesFortean Times Magazine *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 128 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78297-951-7 (9781782979517)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2015
Oxbow Books
€11.49
Available for download
E-Book
06/2015
OXBOW BOOKS
€11.49
Available for download
Person
Robert Hensey is an archaeologist and author who specializes in the investigation of the Neolithic period with particular reference to Irish passage tombs. He has been involved in a number of field- and laboratory-based research projects including the Dating the Carrowmore Pins Project, Finding Art at Carrowkeel, Human Population Dynamics at Carrowkeel and, most recently, the Millin Bay Art Project.