The Message Of Scotland S Symbol Stones

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The symbol stones of the Picts remain one of Scotland's greatest archaeological enigmas. First appearing on record in the third century AD, the kingdoms of the Picts stretched from Shetland to the Forth. In the eighth century the Picts were absorbed into the kingdom of Alba, the core of what was to become the medieval kingdom of Scotland.The Picts are best known today for the wealth of highly accomplished stone sculpture that they left behind. Among these are many that bear a distinctive group of symbols, some apparently abstract and decorated with the geometrical motifs of Celtic art, others beautifully naturalistic. There have been many attempts to decipher the significance of the symbols, but their meaning remains obscure.Brought up to date with recent discoveries and a new introduction, The Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland draws together all the known symbol-bearing stones and artefacts, providing succinct descriptions and suggestions for further reading. Fully illustrated, with modern and antiquarian photographs as well as detailed scale drawings, Pictish Symbol Stones provides the definitive resource for anyone, academic or amateur, with an interest in Pictish sculpture.

Scotland is unusually rich in field monuments and objects surviving from early times. This comprehensive survey of Scotland's prehistoric and early historic archaeology covers the full chronological range from the earliest inhabitants to the union of the Picts and Scots in AD 843. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will help both students and visitors to monuments to understand the lifestyles of Scotland's early societies.

New insights into inscribed and stone monuments from across Europe in the early middle ages.

Mysterious Scotland presents an extraordinary array of the weird and wonderful heritage of the country. Michael Balfour examines strange stories from the moors, forests, rivers, holy wells and lochs, where - as well as the old legends and dark secrets which he prises out of palaces, castles and cathedrals - he finds monsters, ghoulies, unsolved murders and ancient cures. Investigating a land where the past is reflected in the present, the author has roamed all around Scotland, exploring standing stones, mermaid beaches and magic springs. He seeks out new theories about the prehistoric, Celtic and Pictish stones, carvings, tombs and brochs which are scattered across the country. Among his many wonderful discoveries, he unearths long-forgotten prophecies, puzzling tales from the bothies, consuming traditions and distillers' tricks, and finds evidence of the legendary Highland second sight. Not forgotten are the great historical figures who throng the pages, each making a unique contribution to Mysterious Scotland. This book is the perfect introduction to the amazing hidden history which permeates Scottish lives and landscape.