I have been fascinated by Stonehenge for so long I can't remember a time when I didn't. I then became a medievalist with an interest in ancient sites and how they were seen. I also grew up with a father who was an astro-physicist and my sister is now following in his footsteps. SO stars and ancient sites come up quite frequently, which means 'Celestial Geometry' was of course a fascinating read. I struggled a little with the formatting of the book on my Kindle, but I found the book a very engaging read. Archaeoastronomy was a field I knew nothing about but that definitely has me intrigued now thanks to Ken Taylor's book!

This is fascinating for anyone with an interest in the stars in our sky. It is amazing how something our ancestors followed so closely, for many of us has got lost over the years, and while the stars in many places are difficult to see, thanks to our modern polluted cities, some people like the author still hold this celestial fascination. I learnt a lot from this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Take one of my favorite topics, the night sky, and combine it with another really curious subject like a study of archaeological sites such as Stonehenge or Easter Island, and you've got one great book. Here, Taylor takes a deep dive into the field of archaeoastronomy and why humankind has built things based on their alignment with the sun, moon, stars or planets. This book was fascinating. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I so enjoy watching the shows on this subject, I just knew a book on them would be even better- and I wasn't disappointed! It's interesting to read about how the ancients lined up their creations with the stars and planets. And that so many ancient cultures world wide have done so must have some meaning. Why go to the trouble unless there is something. Well written and researched. Enjoyable book.

Archaeoastronomy... Who knew there was a word for looking back in time to figure out where the heavenly features used to be and lining them up with ancient sites around the globe? What an exciting undertaking! This book covers 60 ancient sites, evaluating them against potential alignment with the Sun, Moon, planets, and other notable stars. I was impressed by the author's frank admission that we cannot know for certain how the sites were used in honor of the celestial bodies, and even more so by his admission that there does not appear to be a celestial connection to the stars in some cases, as with the Nazca lines. Instead, he posits that those sites were related to ancient agriculture. An expert with an open mind is refreshing, and it is nice that he isn't trying to sell his audience on theories that may not quite fit. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the different sites, their history, and their layouts. Unfortunately, the Kindle version doesn't format well with the pictures, and I believe something significant was lost in the shift from hard copy to electronic. I would say that the hard copy is definitely worth a read. Educational, interesting... makes me want to travel and spend time in these locations at night!

From the publisher:

"Celestial Geometry</em> explores the remarkable achievements of ancient astronomers at over 60 archaeological sites, from European stone circles like Stonehenge to the pyramids of Egypt and Central America, the medicine wheels of North America, the carved monoliths of Easter Island, and lesser-known structures like the sun clock of Goseck. Combining myths and legends with modern science, this beautifully illustrated book is a profoundly illuminating celebration of human curiosity, creativity, and astounding achievements."

From me:
Wow! This is a very cool book. I read it on my Kindle Oasis which wasn't the most fabulous experience as this is a book with plenty of pictures and sidebars which tend to get messed up a bit in that format.

It could easily be used as a spine in upper middle school or high school for a study of either astronomy or the history of science course. This is the first book I've ever read about <br> archaeoastronomy, and it was eye-opening. I learned so much new information that was framed with gorgeous photos (once I switched to my Kindle Fire) that I'm going to work it into our school year somewhere. For instance, did you know that the <br>the Castillo, (Kukulkan Pyramid), at Chichen Itza has a stairway that twice a year is shadowed by the sun to create the impression of a monstrous black serpent running down the stairs? There is a photo of the stairway showing precisely that effect. I think kids will kind of love that. Talk about bringing the Ancients to life.

Excellent, concise book with easy to understand details and language. Stunning pictures for demonstration purposes, this book was an absolute delight to read.

I was grateful to receive this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
#celestialgeometry #netgalley

This was my introduction to archeoastronomy, however I have always thought that ancient places like Stonehenge and the pyramids have a connection to the astronomical sky. It is very detailed and you do get a clearer understanding of these relationships from this book. Well worth the read for anyone interested in either of these interests.