Press Releases

The Tomb Builders in Wales was praised by the judges for its beautiful production and illustrations, and for the accessibility of its writing. The book is a vivid exploration of prehistoric megaliths and, unusually, focuses on the people who made the tombs and the environment in which they lived. As one of the judges put it — "you can explore without feeling excluded".

The award, presented every two years, recognises "the most outstanding book that brings archaeology to the widest audience". The author, Dr Steve Burrow, Earlier Prehistorian at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, says,"The book was a labour of love. It was a terrific excuse to explore a fascinating and largely unpublicised episode in Wales's history. To have won this award is the icing on the cake!"

Mari Gordon, Head of Publishing at Amgueddfa Cymru, says,

"This is particularly satisfying for us. Our strategy is to make information on our work widely accessible in an attractive and popular way, to the highest standards. It's good to know we're going in the right direction!"

The Tomb Builders is published at £14.99 by National Museum Wales Books, and is available from all good bookshops or call (029) 2057 3341 to order.

National Museum Wales Books won the same prize in 2002 for the book Vikings in Wales, and a commendation in 2004 for the academic volume Catalogue of Mesolithic and Neolithic Collections. No other publisher has had as many titles featured in succession in these awards.