We sometimes get asked to make recommendations on good books about the Salisbury and Stonehenge area. The following selection includes both fact and fiction and are, in our opinion, the best of quite a large number of titles.

Stonehenge the Story so Far by Julian Richards. The ‘must have’ book on Stonehenge published by English Heritage who own and manage the stones. Well written description of the monument with some useful sections on its history, the landscape, and the people who lived at the time. It has some of the best photographs of Stonehenge that you will find anywhere. ISBN 978 1 905624 00 3

Chalkland, an archaeology of Stonehenge and its region by Andrew J Lawson. An excellent book which looks not just at Stonehenge, but at a much wider area. Rightly shortlisted at the British Archaeology Awards 2008. At over 400 pages it can be described as authoritative on the period and well worth owning. The only downside is the photographs are in black and white only. Published by the Hobnob Press. ISBN 978 0 946418 61 9 (also available in paperback).

Solving Stonehenge by Anthony Johnson. As one reviewer said; ‘Using documentation and results from the last 250 years of surveying at Stonehenge he shows that the stones were laid out to a premeditated design, and that the symmetry and geometry involved were extremely complex, so much so that it must have been geometrical considerations which played the leading role in the design of the structure. A fascinating and well argued work, which is bound to re-ignite old debates and start new ones."  You can read more about the book at his website at http://www.solvingstonehenge.co.uk/  ISBN 978 0 500 05155 9

If you like novels try;

Stonehenge. A novel of 2000 BC by Bernard Cornwell. It’s what it says it is – a novel. Read the Historical Note at the end of the book first so that you know which places are which. Then come on a tour with us and see the real life Ratharryn! Loads of secondhand copies on eBay. ISBN 13 978 0 00 651386 5

Sarum by Edward Rutherford. A ripping yarn about the history of one of the most beautiful cities in England – Salisbury. It starts at the end of the ice age and finishes in more recent times. Set against the back drop of the history of England it shows how life in Salisbury may have changed with the politics of the time.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Interesting tale of how a medieval cathedral,such as Salisbury,may have been built.Contains all you would want from an historical novel – some loose historical facts, rape, pillage, love, revenge, and finally a ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ ending!

For something different try The Missing Years of Jesus by Dennis Price. An interesting investigation into the 12 missing years of Jesus's life and how he may have spent several years in Britain. Published by Hay House.ISBN: 1848500335

You can get further details and order a copy by clicking here.

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