'Sight Unseen' | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

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nigelswift Jun 26, 2017 10:25:33

Replying to tjj

Seriously June, you're here.
I rest my case.

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Evergreen Dazed Jun 26, 2017 10:30:37

Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:

I'm in a reading group which often challenges me to read something I wouldn't otherwise pick up. The current book is anything by Robert Goddard - I chose 'Sight Unseen' which starts "It begins at Avebury ..." How could I resist.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-440-24280-2

What bothers me though, is that while the author gets all the other details about Avebury correct (the Red Lion, Green Street, Silbury House) he refers to the Cove stones as the Adam and Eve stones. What takes place by these stones is integral to the plot. How can I let this little mistake undermine the rest of the novel - but somehow it does. Does this make me an anorak?

One of the 'Adam and Eve' stones is part of a cove. Perhaps thats what the author was referring to?

One time I was walking along Bray St I got talking to an old boy, a local, and he told me that locals always used to refer to Adam and Eve as the King and Queen. I'd never heard that before.

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Sanctuary Jun 26, 2017 10:46:23

Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:

I'm in a reading group which often challenges me to read something I wouldn't otherwise pick up. The current book is anything by Robert Goddard - I chose 'Sight Unseen' which starts "It begins at Avebury ..." How could I resist.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-440-24280-2

What bothers me though, is that while the author gets all the other details about Avebury correct (the Red Lion, Green Street, Silbury House) he refers to the Cove stones as the Adam and Eve stones. What takes place by these stones is integral to the plot. How can I let this little mistake undermine the rest of the novel - but somehow it does. Does this make me an anorak?

About a mile outside the main circle of the henge and on the line of the Beckhampton Avenue stand two large stones. With some interesting lichens adorning their surface they are known as the Longstones (also known locally as"Adam & Eve"). The larger of them, according to a drawing made by William Stukeley, is the surviving component of a cove similar in structure to that in the north circle of the henge; the other belongs to the avenue. Recent excavations have confirmed the existence of this cove.
(Avebury - A Present from the Past)

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Wild Wooder Jun 27, 2017 12:45:34

Replying to tjj

When all's said and done it's a bloody good page turner, as are all of his IMHO.

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tjj Jul 12, 2017 09:17:16

Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:

I'm in a reading group which often challenges me to read something I wouldn't otherwise pick up. The current book is anything by Robert Goddard - I chose 'Sight Unseen' which starts "It begins at Avebury ..." How could I resist.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-440-24280-2

What bothers me though, is that while the author gets all the other details about Avebury correct (the Red Lion, Green Street, Silbury House) he refers to the Cove stones as the Adam and Eve stones. What takes place by these stones is integral to the plot. How can I let this little mistake undermine the rest of the novel - but somehow it does. Does this make me an anorak?

I've just seen two very old photos of Avebury on FB courtesy of someone who knows. The description does in fact say: Druid Altar Stones (2) "These are two upright stones of the north inner circle (commonly known as Adam and Eve)." The description goes on to give the dimensions of the stones.

So, Robert Goddard, I owe you an apology, have learnt something old but new to me about Avebury and really enjoyed the book.

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neighbourofthedrude Jul 17, 2017 17:26:59

Replying to tjj

Love that book

:o)

love most of his books