Grounded: A Journey into the Landscapes of Our Ancestors

In "Ancient Eyes: A Journey Through England in Search of the Meaning of Landscape," James Canton explores England's ancient sites and monuments to understand what landscape meant to those who came before us and to encourage a sense of wonder, reverence, and awe for our natural world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Canongate Books

For countless generations, our ancestors forged a profound bond with the landscapes they inhabited. They imbued these spaces with profound significance, creating stone monuments, sacred groves, and revered pilgrimage sites. However, in our contemporary era, we have strayed far from that enchanting connection and intimate knowledge of the places we call home.

Enter James Canton, on a captivating journey through the enchanting lands of England. His mission? To peer through the eyes of our ancient predecessors, seeking to unravel the profound meaning that landscapes held for them. Along the way, we embark on a pilgrimage to witness the awe-inspiring stone circles, the majestic West Kennet long barrow, the revered Crusader round church, and the sites of spiritual visions. We encounter the enigmatic Dagenham Idol and the intricately carved Lion Man figure, buried amidst the fields of farmers. Hidden within the folds of our surroundings lie remnants of history and profound significance, waiting to be discovered if only we take the time to look.

Yet, as we stand at the precipice of a changing world, our natural world faces an unprecedented threat. If we allow our sense of wonder, reverence, and awe to fade away in the landscapes we inhabit, we risk losing the very essence of our existence. It is time to reclaim our connection to the natural world, to awaken our senses and recognize the profound beauty and fragility that surrounds us.

In this quest, we find solace in the wisdom of our ancestors, who understood the intrinsic value of preserving and protecting the landscapes they called home. They recognized that these spaces were not just mere physical landscapes, but vessels of wisdom, spirituality, and cultural heritage. By reconnecting with our roots, by nurturing our sense of wonder, and by standing in awe of the natural world, we can become agents of change, working tirelessly to safeguard the precious ecosystems and biodiversity that sustain us.

Let us embark on this journey together, embracing the power of nature and the beauty of the landscapes we inhabit. By nurturing our connection to the natural world, we can inspire others to do the same, creating a collective effort to protect and preserve the precious legacy of our planet for generations to come.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 223 x 146 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838855871
Edition number: Main