Stones

We start with geology, with the formation of the earth’s crust and its cooling and shifting over aeons … The account moves from the use of stones as weapons and tools to their use in cooking and building … There is so much in this book, as a compendium of stony lore … The finest chapter is the last, and shortest, about people who collect stones … Stones is packed with lapidary detail. – Jason Goodwin * Country Life *In her new book Stones, author Oldershaw shares some of the surprising and fascinating facts, myths and stories to reveal the importance of stones in our history and culture. * People’s Friend Magazine *Oldershaw presents a comprehensive yet straightforward look at the relationship between humans and the stones and rocks around them, all from a historical and cultural perspective. She introduces the book with an easy-to-follow description of the formation of the universe through the creation of Earth. In the following five chapters, she examines how humans used stone materials to make tools and weapons, cook, and construct boundaries, waypoints, infrastructure, and buildings. Later chapters depict how humans used stones as monuments, memorials, and burial markers. Oldershaw explains how humans used stones to create art objects: cave art, carvings, gemstones, writings, and games. She also explores how stones were used for medicinal purposes and as healing and meditation aids. In the final chapter, Oldershaw reflects on what motivates individuals and institutions to collect stones, gems, and similar artifacts, and she examines their associated historical collections, libraries, museums, and research centers. Examples from the UK dominate the narrative. The book is very well supported by high-quality color and grayscale figures. Highly recommended. * Choice *Who knew that stones, from the humble pebbles on the beach to the awe-inspiring megaliths of Stonehenge, had such marvellous stories to tell. I would urge anyone who has ever picked up a tiny fragment of our planet and wondered what it was and how it got there to read this splendid account by Cally Oldershaw. It will open a new door to the earth beneath your feet, and ensure that you never again look at a scrap of chalk or a piece of granite in the same way. * Bill McGuire, Professor of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at University College London, and author of Hothouse Earth: An Inhabitant’s Guide *

Geologist and gemmologist Cally Oldershaw was the first Lady Chair of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and curator of gemstones for the Natural History Museum, London. She is the author of more than twenty books on gemstones and other Earth science topics including volcanoes, earthquakes, oceans, and seas. She lives in Mid Glamorgan, Wales.