OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
The author and publisher give the recipient of this document permission to use the contents within for the purpose of informing others about the existence of this book. All other rights are reserved. Use of photographs provided must be accompanied by appropriate credit to the source.
The Poulton Chronicles: Tales from a Medieval Chapel
Main Author: Mike M Emery, with foreword by Ralph Fiennes
Contributors: Alan Brown, Richard Fair, Deanna Marroletti-Priest, Ken Owen, Pete Peers, Pat Tripney, and Louise Woollam
Publisher: Poulton Archaeology Press, Williamsburg, Virginia
Official Release Date: May 1, 2000
Availability: Barnes and Noble, Newport News, Virginia (757) 249-2488
Author signed copies available on May 6, 2000. Mike Emery and Pete Peers will give a presentation, followed by the book signing at 2:00pm. Email staff@poulton.org for more information.
Books will also be available online at www.poulton.org, and in the future from B&N Online and Amazon.com.
Copyright ©2000 by Poulton Archaeology Press and Mike M Emery
ISBN 0-9700000-0-6
Library of Congress Card Number: 00-190508
Cover Photos:
Front: "The Green Knight at Poulton Chapel" by Karen Breneman
Back: Mike Emery on site at Poulton
Back Cover Copy:
“Lucid and concise—makes you want to get out of your armchair and get your hands dirty” Vince Haig
“Entertaining and informative. An ideal introduction to archaeology.” Matthew Turner
Mike and his team take an unusual slant on archaeology by applying it to everything from Arthurian literature to the Internet. This unique approach of mixing the traditional and the innovative brings history alive, and has established the Poulton Research Project as a leader in community archaeology.
Learn more about the art, science, and humanity behind this exciting and extraordinary project, as Poulton’s crew transports the past fervently into the present, and jazzes it up for the future. You’ll never look at your backyard the same way again!
A portion of all sales of this book will be used to fund programs for children at the Poulton archaeological site near Chester, England.
Excerpts from the text:
(From the foreword by Ralph Fiennes)
The Poulton Project is one of the most interesting and important archaeological excavations in England at the moment. I had the opportunity to visit the site in 1997 and felt compelled to support the project when I saw what was being uncovered, as did my brother Joseph. The project has struggled to find financial support, which is nothing new in archaeology. I hope that the work of the project and awareness of its historical and educational importance will be sustained.
For Mike Emery, the Poulton Project has been a consuming passion, which has kept it going even in the most difficult circumstances. I have been extremely impressed by the deep-rooted commitment he and everyone connected with the project have maintained.
I believe the past can be like a mirror to the present. Through the lives, habits, customs, and beliefs of earlier societies, we can reflect on our own. This for me is the real value of the Poulton Project.
(From the Preface)
As part of our objective to educate, the Poulton team envisioned a book that would allow us to share our experiences with the community—not just of Cheshire, but worldwide. We knew that archaeology encompassed more than just digging up rocks and other artifacts. There is an element of interpreting literature, as well as storytelling; revealing daily lifestyles of the period, as well as exploring death; using tried-and-true methods of excavating, as well as experimental research techniques; extending a hand to local groups—children, disabled, students, and the elderly, as well as bringing about awareness world-wide with the use of the Internet.
When asked how he first became interested in archaeology, Mike replied, “Through Love.” This is the essential difference between a job and a vocation. Without a deep-rooted love for his work, Mike may never have dug through the hardships and created the community-based center of history that exists today… His team is one of immense heart and dedication. Their commitment to the community is unparalleled. These are their stories; our history.
(From the Epilogue by landowner Richard Fair)
The work that has taken place since 1995 is documented in this book and its predecessor, Archaeology of an Ecclesiastical Landscape. What is not mentioned is the amount of work done behind the scenes on keeping the Poulton Research Project together. The work done, both here and in America, must not be underestimated.
(From “Chapter 12 “The Future”)
The Poulton Project has slowly gathered momentum since its inception in 1995. Its academic aim has always been the long-term commitment to understanding the evolution of the historic, environmental, social, and economic landscape of Cheshire, in particular the hinterland of historic Chester. So far Poulton has added greatly to the archaeological record of all eras, though in real terms the project has barely scratched the surface of its enormous potential. Running parallel to the quest for enlightenment are the community-based initiatives established to enable all to take part in the archaeological experience. The continued pursuit of such, aims to ensure that a regional and nationally important archaeological resource is developed into a community-based program of research, education, and training.
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