Item #48559 Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ). William STUKELEY.
Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ).
Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ).
Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ).
Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ).
Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ).

Stonehenge a temple restor'd to the British Druids [ & ] Abury, a Temple of the British Druids, with Some Others Described - wherein is a more particular account of the first and patriarchal religion; and of the peopling of the British Isles ( 2 volumes in one ).

London: Printed for W. Innys and R. Manby, 1740 & 1743. First Editions. Hardcover. Folio. 2 Vols. in One. Magnificent contemporary full leather, decorated in gilt on spine & boards, raised spine bands. Marbled endpapers. "Stonehenge": [xii] + 66pp + [iv] index + full page plates interleaved throughout. Engraved frontispiece, 35 engraved plates (9 double-page & fold- out) and 2 text engravings; "Abury": vi + 102pp. + vi [index]. Large fold-out engraved frontispiece, & 39 engraved plates (2 double-page & fold-out). Engraved initials, head & tail-pieces. First editions of these two monumental works on English archaeology, published in 1740 and 1743 respectively, bound together in one volume. William Stukeley (1687 - 1765) is now remembered not only as a pioneer of field archaeology, but one of the first to undertake a methodical investigation of the stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury. Stukeley made numerous significant contributions to the study of the sites: he was the first to observe "the avenue" leading from Stonehenge towards the River Avon and recognise and name the Stonehenge Cursus, whilst his observations concerning the alignment of the stones at summer solstice formed the starting point for subsequent astro-archaeological investigation. His mapping of the site at Avebury (the subject of the frontispiece of the second volume) preserved valuable historical information which otherwise might well have been lost, and he was also the discoverer of the "Kennett Avenue" and the "Beckhampton Avenue." Of course not all of his ideas have stood the test of time: he took a deep interest in Druidry and identified the monuments as a part of the Druidic religion, a viewpoint abandoned by most modern commentators. He also put forth the theory that the original ancient religion of mankind was patriarchal, and that it was from this that Druidry had evolved. Aside from the historical importance of the text, the volumes are well-known for the dozens of full page engravings, many fold out, and offering superb panoramas, as well as details of the sites. Outer hinges starting to split but boards still firmly attached. Minor scuffing to boards, spine appears to have been professionally repaired at some time in the past, but it remains handsome and solid. Some foxing to endpapers, slight discoloration & minor tears to several of the fold-out plates, first leaves a trifle darkened, but pages remain fresh and supple. Still a solid, attractive VG + example of this beautiful production. Item #48559

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