Upon A White Horse

This fascinating paean to the ancient monuments of the UK is an evocatively lyrical work . . . Ross writes with reverence as well as humour, and there's a pilgrim quality to his travels. The pace of these tributes is gentle, befitting the enduring presence of these mysterious sites in the modern world * The Field * Ross scores highly on his intuitive interpretations of places and his non-judgemental observations of human nature; he is empathetic, but can stand back * Country Life * Ross is always lucid, almost reverent, about the whole process of archaeological discovery -- David Robinson * Books from Scotland * In unravelling the histories of these sites and the motivations of those who care for them, [Ross] finds that they still have a role to play - even in our modern world * Wanderlust, Stanfords' top winter travel reads * A beautifully written book of traces and absences . . . One of the characteristics that makes Peter Ross a fine journalist is his capacity to be unobtrusive. He does not showboat nor monopolise the story, letting others speak instead . . . The most autobiographical glances and snatches are the most moving and revealing of the book * Scotland on Sunday * Ross's last two books, Steeple Chasing and A Tomb With A View, were outstanding, and Upon A White Horse lives up to that excellence, with his pilgrimage to prehistoric sites and places of ancient enchantment a meandering journey on which it is a privilege to be able to accompany him * Scottish Field * Fascinating . . . [Ross] has a poetic, meditative style, with a sharp eye for detail and a keen sense of humour . . . As well as bringing the sites and monuments vividly to life, he delves into issues of archaeology, folklore, faith and identity, while weaving in elements of personal memoir * Geographical * Fascinating * The Herald * Packed with anecdote and colour, it's a surprisingly touching portrait of the countries * Financial Times, Best Books of 2025 * The solidity of stone, the fragility of chalk, the enigma of Silbury Hill, and the brutal practicality of the Antonine Wall all lift into vivid life through conversations elicited from those he meets along the way . . . observant, engaging, and informative * Church Times * An insightful and engaging reflection on the appeal of the ancient * The Times * Upon a White Horse is a quietly enchanting journey through the prehistoric landscapes of Britain and Ireland, told with Peter Ross's trademark warmth, curiosity and humour . . . Packed with anecdote, character and a deep sense of place, this is the kind of book that can be dipped into or savoured slowly. Thoughtful without ever being heavy, it's a generous, companionable read and a particularly good Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys history, walking, landscape or simply stories that make familiar places feel newly alive. * Geographical, Top Books for Christmas * Lucid, profound and moving, it is his best book -- Mathew Lyons * Engelsberg Ideas * A rich exploration of history and how it connects with humanity. There's a poetic rhythm to Peter's writing that creates vivid images in your mind -- Chris Hawkins * Pick of the Week, Radio 4 * there is much to enjoy here: good writing, good research, good observation. I learned things about some sites that I didn't know and was encouraged to visit others that I have yet to make it to * Current Archaeology *