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Ancestors
- A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials
- Narrated by: Alice Roberts
- Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins
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Ancestors
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Summary
An extraordinary exploration of the ancestry of Britain through seven burial sites. By using new advances in genetics and taking us through important archaeological discoveries, Professor Alice Roberts helps us better understand life today.
We often think of Britain springing from nowhere with the arrival of the Romans. But in Ancestors, pre-eminent archaeologist, broadcaster and academic Professor Alice Roberts explores what we can learn about the very earliest Britons, from burial sites and by using new technology to analyse ancient DNA.
Told through seven fascinating burial sites, this groundbreaking prehistory of Britain teaches us more about ourselves and our history: how people came and went and how we came to be on this island. It explores forgotten journeys and memories of migrations long ago, written into genes and preserved in the ground for thousands of years.
This is a book about belonging: about walking in ancient places, in the footsteps of the ancestors. It explores our interconnected global ancestry, and the human experience that binds us all together. It’s about reaching back in time, to find ourselves and our place in the world.
Critic reviews
"This is a terrific, timely and transporting book - taking us heart, body and mind beyond history, to the fascinating truth of the prehistoric past and the present." (Bettany Hughes)
What listeners say about Ancestors
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- Aliy
- 21-07-21
Brilliant
A beautifully read book. Telling the story of our place in this land. Great.
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6 people found this helpful
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- RogerT
- 07-10-21
Wonderful.
in both scope and delivery. so much information that I may start again at the beginning.
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2 people found this helpful
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- dave
- 08-03-22
Superb
I love when the author reads their own book. Professor Roberts does a great job on both the book and the reading thank you.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- crochetdiva
- 13-05-22
Mostly a very enjoyable listen
I love the passion that Alice Roberts has for her craft, and by reading this book herself that comes through in her words.
I was disappointed at the end when she made it sound that her thoughts on death were the only ones you need to know. I have very different thoughts, but I won't be writing a book to tell everyone else they are wrong.
I will continue to watch her career with interest, because at that she is the best.
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- Keith
- 15-10-22
Interesting
I found this quite enjoyable. I loved the deep discussions of the various burials and the linkages with the wider history of archaeology in Britain. I was most drawn to Stone Age periods and the possible interpretations of life during that period, based on the information at the burials. I felt the Pit Rivers section went on a bit longer than it needed and wasn’t enamoured with the interviews recounted with other archaeologists as these felt more like a tv programme. But minor quibbles on a great book.
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- David Morris
- 09-02-23
really enjoyed this book.
was great to hear about in more detail some of the digs I had seen Alice presenting on TV. gave a great sense of being there.
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- Helen SJ
- 07-04-24
Absolutely brilliant!
Alice Roberts proves her worth with this book. Intelligent, insightful and meticulously researched. Nice job Prof!
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- ABrad
- 31-01-22
Interesting & enlightening
Dr Alice Roberts manages to deliver an account of ancestor burial (through to modern burial practices) that’s palatable to non-archaeologists without being patronising, and without dumbing it down. Her selection of burials are fascinating and opinions insightful.
I saw a few other reviewers comment about Dr Roberts’ expressing her opinions, but frankly as a scientist interpreting information, she needs to do this. She takes a scientific rather than religious view of death, and why shouldn’t she? It’s her book! She also points out the sexism inherent in Victorian archaeology (not sure why that would be offensive). In short, she says nothing terribly untoward, and even goes to lengths to point out cultural bias and subjectivity in archaeological interpretation.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Ruth
- 01-08-22
Thought provoking
This book is a really interesting read. I've read reviews criticising Prof Alice Roberts around her 'woke' and humanist views. If you are thinking of whether to read / listen to this book, do it. Those criticising, undoubtedly have missed the point. Approach the book with an open heart and an open mind and it won't disappoint. If it's too 'woke' for you, maybe take a really hard look at how you personally perpetuate discrimination and injustice in the world. Then try reading it again.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Nic 1983
- 25-01-23
Fascinating book.
Really enjoyed this, made me think , will be listening to it again, more than likely, many times.Loved the narration, I find that books are best read by the author, as this was.
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1 person found this helpful