Description
Book SynopsisJim Leary lectures in Archaeology at the University of Reading, UK. Formerly a prehistorian with English Heritage and the 2012 'Field Archaeologist in Residence' at Cambridge University, his publications include
The Story of Silbury Hill (with David Field, 2010).
Trade Review[Leary's] engaging book combines an effective synthesis of previous research with thought-provoking analysis, deftly conveyed with an evocative, imaginative turn of phrase. * Current Archaeology *
A welcome fresh perspective ... [Leary] points the way for a new understanding of mesolithic lives – and what rising seas may bring today. * British Archaeology *
[
The Remembered Land] is a fine demonstration of the need for cognition and imagination in the study of landscapes of any date ... This is a really good book, full of ideas and provocative new ways of thinking. * Landscapes *
Leary encourages us to think about the human scale and to consider how this can profoundly shape responses ... to environmental change ... [He] poetically and powerfully makes the point. * Antiquity *
Written in a clear and readable style ... This book is inspiring reading not only for professional archaeologists but for all those interested in climate change and its past and future consequences. * Kuml: Journal of the Jutland Archaeological Society (Bloomsbury translation) *
Jim Leary paints a fascinating portrait of the sunken landscape of the North Sea and the human consequences of sea level rise after the Ice Age. This evocatively written, imaginative essay brings a wide range of highly specialized research to a general audience while causing you to think about the long-term consequences of climate change. A provocative, thought-provoking book to read either when afloat on the North Sea or when contemplating its heaving waves. -- Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University of California, USA, and author of The Attacking Ocean (Bloomsbury, 2013)
Leary's imaginative, well-constructed work provides a unique insight into the environmental history of the North Sea. The author breathes life back into a forgotten land, flora, fauna, and people, connecting that which cannot be seen to the present as well as shedding light on the process that allows for this reconstruction. … His holistic approach to understanding past environmental change touches upon numerous facets and allows readers to see into the complexity of change and its long-term impact. … This impressive work is a welcome addition to the understanding of the complex history of environmental change in and beyond the North Sea since the last Ice Age.
Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsPart 1: To begin Chapter 1 Recognising Northsealand
Part 2: Landscape Chapter 2 Thinking the Imagined Land Chapter 3 The People of Northsealand Chapter 4 Shaping the World with Ice and Sea
Part 3: Effects Chapter 5 Changing Worlds and Changing Worldviews Chapter 6 Losing Place
Part 4: Responses Chapter 7 Living in a Changing World Chapter 8 Knowledge, Networks and Social Memory Chapter 9 Being Pragmatic
Part 5: To end Chapter 10 The Remembered Land Epilogue Notes References Index
