A volume of ten impressionistic narratives by ten well-known writers who offer personal, creative engagements with different megaliths in Wales and beyond. Includes imaginative portraits of both ancient stones and of the land in which they are rooted. Prefaced by Jan Morris and includes 10 full-colour photographs of the megaliths described.

Cyfrol o ddeg ysgrif argraffiadol gan ddeg awdur adnabyddus sy'n cynnig adweithiau personol i feini mawrion yng Nghymru a thu hwnt. Yn cynnwys portreadau creadigol o feini hynafol ac o'r tir lle y'u gwreiddiwyd. Ceir rhagair gan Jan Morris, a 10 ffotograff lliw o'r meini a ddisgrifir.

This volume is subtitled ‘Eleven Journeys in Search of Stone’ and contains essays by a number of creative writers. The prehistoric large stones they have chosen to write about are situated in Wales, Ireland, the Scilly Isles and Gloucestershire. Each of the contributors offers a distinctive perspective on the past and the ways in which the world of our very early ancestors resonates for us today. As the editor writes, ‘megaliths are potent receivers through which one tunes into modern frequencies.’

It is hardly surprising that there is such an emphasis on life, death and immortality, subjects which are the very essence of creative writing. Each of the eleven writers conveys a strong sense of place. Niall Griffiths weaves three compelling tales in his contribution, each of which would make an absorbing novella. Jim Perrin writes movingly on the loss of a loved one. Andrew McNellie explores the Platform Cairn in Mynydd Hiraethog, a fascinating region in terms of its history and culture. Tristan Hughes writes of Anglesey as an island dominated by stone while also managing to bring cricket into his essay. Other contributors include Gillian Clarke, Elin ap Hywel, Jem Poster and David Constantine.

In her foreword Jan Morris describes megaliths as ‘allegories of the imagination’. So they are, as this book proves.

Dewi Roberts

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement 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.