In this latest book the prolific Stan Beckensall returns to his principal specialism, Britains prehistoric rock art.

Beckensall has played a key role in recording and researching rock art, and in this book he brings this experience to bear in a detailed survey of the types of rock art, motifs and patterns to be found in Britain and the places, often highly prominent in the landscape where it is to be found.

He also offers his thoughts on its interpretation, focusing firmly on the landscape context, and treating with scepticism attempts to link rock art to one overarching theory of shamanic practice.

The book also contains an outline history of the study of rock art in Britain, a glimpse at some modern artistic responses to Britains rock art, and an examination of current techniques of recording and preservation, all delivered in a characteristic no-nonsense style.