The Stars and the Stones: Ancient Art and Astronomy in Ireland

Like the flash of light that Martin Brennan saw deep in the recesses of Cairn T, in the Loughcrew’ Mountains in Ireland, this book brilliantly illuminates part of our prehistoric heritage that has for long been shrouded in darkness and mystery. Built over 5,000 years ago, the megalithic monuments of Ireland with their spectacular art have baffled scientists for generations. Now, through patient and extensive fieldwork, Mr. Brennan sets that ancient tradition in the astronomical and ritual context for which it was intended. What the author and his colleagues discovered was that most if not all the major Irish mounds are orientated to the rising or setting positions of the sun at critical times of the year - solstice, cross-quarter day, equinox. Even more remarkably they found that the beams of light projected into the inner chambers at these times illuminate one after another the images carved on the stones, as if spelling out messages in an archaic code. Analysis of the carvings revealed an ancient preoccupation with solar and lunar symbolism, and true sundials and calendar stones are seen to exist here earlier than anywhere else in the world. In his text and own superb two-color drawings Martin Brennan fully documents these discoveries, as well as describing the researches of others and echoes from the distant past to be found in Gaelic literature. All the major Irish engraved compositions are illustrated, providing not only support for the author’s theories but also a wonderful treasury of Irish megalithic art. With 300 illustrations in one and two colors.