Overview

Andrew Morton looks at the botanical characteristics of yew trees, and how to measure and age them; at yew trees in pre-Christian and Christian literature, myths and legends; and at the connections between yews and the sites of ancient Christian settlements. Includes detailed case studies of ancient yew trees at Defynnog, Gwytherin, Llangernyw, Llanerfyl and Pennant Melangell.

Full Product Details

9781845271732

Table of Contents

Reviews

This book is a compendium of information on yew trees, principally in Wales. Beginning by assessing previous works of reference on the subject, and explaining why it is so difficult to judge the age of yews compared with other trees, Andrew Morton then puts forward his reasons for believing yews were deliberately planted in association with pre-Norman ecclesiastical sites in Wales and had a special status as church trees, used in rituals (as substitutes for palms). Although some of the sites are pre-Christian, he is doubtful that many of the yews pre-date the Celtic saints' period. He builds an impressive portfolio of ancient yews associated with churches dedicated to the first waves of Celtic saints, with pre-Norman carved stones and with holy wells. Five sites are studied in detail. Then the nature of the book changes to a 'Travelogue', actually more of a catalogue of 'the 100 best yew-tree sites in Wales', followed by a chart of the locations and measurements of 'all known churchyard yews over 8 metres in girth'. The author's aim in both his research and this publication is to encourage the appreciation and care of these ancient trees as part of the national heritage - as worthy of attention and protection as the historical monuments protected by CADW. His scholarship and devoted expertise are evident, while he makes it clear that the paucity of modem archaeological investigation of Celtic sacred sites and the intractable problems associated with dating yews leave many questions unanswered. However, he makes a good case for the probable period of planting of the most ancient survivors and his 'Travelogue' contains many nuggets to interest and encourage readers to explore and admire. Caroline Clark It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

This book is a compendium of information on yew trees, principally in Wales. Beginning by assessing previous works of reference on the subject, and explaining why it is so difficult to judge the age of yews compared with other trees, Andrew Morton then puts forward his reasons for believing yews were deliberately planted in association with pre-Norman ecclesiastical sites in Wales and had a special status as church trees, used in rituals (as substitutes for palms). Although some of the sites are pre-Christian, he is doubtful that many of the yews pre-date the Celtic saints' period. He builds an impressive portfolio of ancient yews associated with churches dedicated to the first waves of Celtic saints, with pre-Norman carved stones and with holy wells. Five sites are studied in detail. Then the nature of the book changes to a 'Travelogue', actually more of a catalogue of 'the 100 best yew-tree sites in Wales', followed by a chart of the locations and measurements of 'all known churchyard yews over 8 metres in girth'. The author's aim in both his research and this publication is to encourage the appreciation and care of these ancient trees as part of the national heritage -- as worthy of attention and protection as the historical monuments protected by CADW. His scholarship and devoted expertise are evident, while he makes it clear that the paucity of modem archaeological investigation of Celtic sacred sites and the intractable problems associated with dating yews leave many questions unanswered. However, he makes a good case for the probable period of planting of the most ancient survivors and his 'Travelogue' contains many nuggets to interest and encourage readers to explore and admire. Caroline Clark It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available