On This Holy Island: A Modern Pilgrimage Across Britain

Acclaimed travel writer Oliver Smith embarks on a journey to explore sacred travel in Britain, tracing ancient and modern routes and highlighting how pilgrimages have evolved. He emphasizes that making journeys is a way of making meaning and that the unravelling of a path often coincides with the unravelling of the soul.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Acclaimed travel writer Oliver Smith embarks on a transformative journey to redefine our understanding of pilgrimage in Britain. Through his meticulous research and immersive experiences, he traces the ancient roots of ritual journeys that date back to the Ice Age, juxtaposed with contemporary pilgrimages of the 21st century. With unwavering determination, Smith ventures into the sacred landscapes of Britain, exploring remote sea caves, sleeping inside Neolithic tombs, ascending forgotten holy mountains, and even enduring a solitary marooning at sea. His evocative and enlightening travelogue takes readers on a pilgrimage through prehistoric, pagan, and Christian sites, while also shedding light on how football stadiums and music festivals have emerged as modern places of pilgrimage.

The routes walked by Smith are often ancient, yet the pilgrims he encounters are always modern, reflecting the diverse tapestry of contemporary spirituality. Throughout his journey, Smith uncovers a timeless truth: that making journeys is a profound means of discovering meaning and purpose in life. He observes that the unraveling of a path often coincides with the unraveling of the soul, as travelers embark on a personal quest for self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

Smith's book serves as a testament to the enduring power of pilgrimage and its ability to connect people across time and cultures. Through his vivid storytelling and deep insights, he invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of sacred spaces in Britain and to discover the transformative power of travel in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 242 x 162 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399409032