This book looks at the character and personality of certain ‘little
landscapes’ in western Brittany, considering
what sets them apart from their surroundings. Some, like the extraordinary
megalithic cairn at Barnenez are well-known, others like the Chaos de Mardoul
are well off the beaten track. Emotional links with place are also explored, as
well as general themes of relating to the environment and the possibility of seeing
into nature beyond accepted notions of beauty and cultural filters. Topics
include the nature of ruins, sacred geography and the sense of belonging to the
land. ‘Place writing’ and personal connection combine to express some
fundamentals of intimacy with landscape.
Eleven doorways, eleven passages and eleven burial chambers: a terrace
of dead neighbours, a defunct community echoing the values and social
continuity of its creators. It is also an abiding memorial, although those
responsible could scarcely have anticipated the endurance of their project. The
cairn of Barnenez changed the colour of the landscape.
