The author was professor of Geography, Queen’s University, Belfast when this book was published in 1942. This edition is a ninth printing, July, 1967. He also illustrated the book. As well, he wrote “France: A Geographical Introduction.” Written on the inside front dust jacket: An alert eye, an ever unsatisfied interest in the ways of life, the work and the tools of the country -people — on hill, field, bog, or sea shore — have provided Prof. Evans with part of the material in his book on this subject. His scietific mind, trained in the related disciplines of geography, archaeology and anthropology, enables him to trace in the present the threads of the remote past in this land of Ireland. But he writes for the ordinary man. His pencil speaks for itself.
The Old Straight Track was written by Alfred Watkins, a Herefordshire-based antiquarian, businessman and photography pioneer, and first published in 1925. It is the book which introduced the concept of ‘ley lines’. Although later adopted by the New Age movement to mean lines of ‘earth energies’, Watkins’ original vision was simply of a system of alignments of natural and man-made features in the landscape, used by our ancient forebears to orient themselves in the world.
Although Watkins’ idea has been challenged by archaeologists, The Old Straight Track remains one of the most inspiring books about the British landscape and our relationship with it, and will encourage every reader to be more observant of our countryside and ancient heritage.
This edition includes more than 120 photographs and drawings by Alfred Watkins.
“The delightful account of a quest, which led Watkins through many curious byways both in his native landscape and in the realm of scholarship” – John Michell
This edition is published by Heritage Hunter, publisher of The History & Heritage Handbook, the most comprehensive guide to UK places to visit, plus archives and societies, relating to history and heritage.
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