• '

  Stories of the Stones is such a different and wonderful read. Its central focus is not strict science as such, but more how different cultures and different peoples and generations have understood these places from the Roman period through to the present day . . . Robichaud examines it all: from the Romantic poets right through to folk horror cinema, and from the ley line theories of Alfred Watkins and the earth mysteries movement through to the epic guides of the loved eccentric Julian Cope. He covers all of these and far more in a finely detailed and convincing case that history has created not just a few narratives but quite literally hundreds. Although not given to a belief in magic, this book is a certainly a magical read and, surprisingly, became one of my favourite and most memorable books of the year so far. An absolute gem.

  '

  Morning Star

• '

  This book is a fascinating, extremely well-researched investigation into the various ways in which prehistoric stone monuments have been understood and responded to culturally over the many centuries since they were built. It covers a huge range of ground, from the earliest myths and legends through Romantic poetry to contemporary pop music, revealing just how many wonderful “stories of the stones” there are to tell. A highly rewarding and immensely rich read.

  '

  Duncan Garrow, Professor of Archaeology, University of Reading, and co-author of The World of Stonehenge

• '

  Many of us have wondered about the prehistoric builders of megalithic monuments, but in Stories of the Stones Paul Robichaud compellingly offers an even richer story of our cultural entanglement with these protean markers in the landscape, which did not cease to be significant with the end of their prehistoric ritual life. In a magical yet historically grounded book, Robichaud reveals a new depth to these living stones whose enduring appeal is interwoven with folklore, story, identity, nationhood and spirituality.

  '

  Francis Young, author of Silence of the Gods: The Untold History of Europe’s Last Pagan Peoples

• '

  This book made me feel like a witch on a broomstick, swooping over Britain, Ireland and Brittany to alight at the ancient circles, dolmens and barrows and hear their stories. It is an enchanting and completely fascinating tour through the megalithic imagination. This is the first time all the tales of the stones from literature, art, film and folklore have been gathered together – what a treasure trove!

  '

  Fiona Robertson, author of Stone Lands: A Journey of Darkness and Light Through Britain’s Ancient Places

• '

  This engaging and richly researched book leads us through the multiple ways the prehistoric monuments of Britain, Ireland and France have inspired countless tales and stories. For centuries people have filled in the gaps left behind by their silent architects with their own stories; this book offers a rewarding and entertaining guide to navigating these cultural interpretations. From folklore to filmsets, via Druids, ley lines and aliens, Paul Robichaud’s book reveals how prehistoric stone monuments have long had the power to enchant and enthral.

  '

  Katy Soar, Senior Lecturer in Classical Archaeology, University of Winchester

Preface
1: Earliest Myths and Legends
2: ‘Heathenish Fictions’: The Age of Antiquarians
3: Romantic Revivals and Aftermaths
4: Fairies, Devils and Dancers: Folklore and Prehistoric Sites
5: Places of Power: Modern Visions of Prehistoric Sites

References
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index

Paul Robichaud is Professor of English at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. His previous books include Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return (Reaktion, 2021).