Hidden Histories: A Spotter's Guide to the British Landscape

(Paperback)

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Publishing Details

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Description

For the times when you're driving past a lumpy, bumpy field and you wonder what made the lumps and bumps; for when you're walking between two lines of grand trees, wondering when and why they were planted; for when you see a brown heritage sign pointing to a 'tumulus' but you don't know what to look for... Entertaining and factually rigourous, Hidden Histories will help you decipher the story of Britain's landscape through the features you can see around you.

This spotter's guide arms the amateur explorer with the crucial information needed to 'read' the landscape and spot the human activities that have shaped our green and pleasant land. Photographs and diagrams point out specific details and typical examples to help the curious spotter 'get their eye in' and understand what they're looking at, or looking for. Specially commissioned illustrations bring to life the processes that shaped the landscape (from medieval ploughing to Roman road building).

Stand-alone capsules explore interesting aspects of history (like the Highland Clearances or the coming of Christianity), and text boxes provide definitions of jargon or handy references as required (like a glossary of what different field names mean). Each chapter culminates in a checklist of key details to look for, other things it might be, and gives details of where to find some of the best examples in Britain.

Reviews

"This book is perfect for anyone whos travelled through the countryside, scratched their head, and thought, what on earth is that thing'" * Tony Robinson *
"A friendly and well-written introduction to the hidden riches of the British landscape, with clear explanations and excellent illustrations. Use it as a handy guide, when out-and-about, or read it from cover to cover at home. Either way, its an excellent and authoritative read." * Prof. Francis Pryor *
"What a brilliant idea - I only wish I'd thought of it first! Reading the ground is so much fun - made even better by the fact it requires no kit except the human eye mark 1 - still the best tool of all, as you know. This fine tome is the perfect companion for a good old walk in the wilds. Fantastically thorough. And so much detail and careful thought, ideal for all - whether specialist or general enthusiast. I'm loving it and learning from it. First class! " * Neil Oliver *
"Ive spent over forty years wandering the British countryside, and only just found out Ive been doing it with my eyes shut! Mary-Anns 'Hidden Histories' unveils the forgotten stories behind things we see everyday, and sheds light on spectacles we might otherwise stride obliviously past." * Steve Backshall *

"Afield guide that will open your eyes to the countryside in a way that very few books can rival."

* New Statesman *

...in Hidden Histories, a definitive classic field guide on a neglected area of interest the landscape itself is born its scope is as magnificent as our countryside itself.

* Countryfile Magazine *

A great book to keep in the car ready for all those family days out and holidays. It is packed full of great illustrations that bring the books text to life.

* Four Shires *
This fascinating spotters guide to Britains historical landscape what to see and how to decipher it is rammed with intriguing nuggets...You will quickly learn about the mysterious landscapes that we blunder across so blindly....Ochotas book covers a satisfying variety of different subjects, from pathways, bridges and old houses, to hedges, churches, graveyards and field patterns left behind by medieval ploughmenit is nuggets such as these that make this richly detailed book so attractive to read.

* The Sunday Times *
a fascinating guide to deciphering and understanding the British landscape. * The Countryman *
"This beautifully presented and fascinating guide will enrich any walk and while away many a rainy afternoon." * Trail Magazine *

"Hidden Histories is an accessible travelogue through time from prehistoric Britain to recent history. With the easy style of a handbook, it will help you become a Sherlock Holmes of the landscape, able to decipher clues and annoy your friends with factoids about British history a pleasure for anyone curious about the outdoors."

* Geographical Magazine *
"Provides all the information you need to unlock the secret of your surroundings. Once you've read this book you'll see the landscape in a completely new light." * Outdoor Photography *
"A visually stimulating and accessible guide to Britain's varied historic environment...." * Current Archaeology *
"splendidly illustrated with stunning, sunny pictures of the British countryside...it's a book that encourages the reader to go outside and see for themselves." * The Milestone Society *
"a fascinating and entertaining insight into the British landscape" * The Reckless Gardener *

Author Bio

Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster and anthropologist who gained her MA from Emmanuel College, Cambridge University in 2002. She is a reporter on Channel 4's Unreported World documentary strand, has presented on Time Team, and also programmes on ITV (including on Britain's Secret Treasures, for which she wrote the tie-in book), BBC4, BBC3, Discovery, Animal Planet and is a regular guest on Sky News newspaper review.