The Dig – Signed By John Preston

Author: John Preston
Price: £85
Publisher: Viking, London, UK
Edition: First edition
Publication Date: 2007
Format: Original cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Fine in fine dustwrapper
Pages: 231 + author’s note

Description:
Printed by Clays. Binding nice and tight. Pages very nice and clean. A fine, tight, clean copy in fine, very slightly creased dustwrapper with the bookseller’s original wraparound band.

The Dig: A Short Description

The Dig by John Preston is a historical novel published in 2007. It is based on the true events surrounding the excavation of the Sutton Hoo burial site in Suffolk, England, in 1939, one of the most important archaeological finds in British history.

The novel focuses on the discovery of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial, believed to belong to a king or a high-ranking individual, and the characters involved in the excavation. Key figures in the novel include:

• Edith Pretty: A wealthy landowner who hires a local archaeologist to investigate the mounds on her estate. Pretty is depicted as a complex and insightful woman.
• Basil Brown: The self-taught and modest archaeologist hired by Pretty to carry out the excavation. Despite his lack of formal education, Brown’s expertise plays a pivotal role in the discovery.
• Charles Phillips: A professional archaeologist from the British Museum who arrives later and takes over the dig, highlighting the tension between professionals and amateurs.

The story captures not only the excitement of the discovery but also the inter-personal dynamics between the characters, set against the backdrop of looming World War II. Preston draws on historical records but also adds fictionalised elements to enrich the narrative, making it a blend of fact and creative interpretation.

The Dig was adapted into a 2021 Netflix film, which was widely praised for its performances, particularly by Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown and Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty. The film brought renewed attention to both the novel and the real-life excavation.

John Preston: A Short Biography

John Preston is a British author and journalist known for writing both fiction and non-fiction works, often centred around historical or true-crime themes. Some of his notable works include:

1. “A Very English Scandal” (2016) – This book tells the true story of the British politician Jeremy Thorpe and his involvement in a scandalous murder plot in the 1970s. It was later adapted into a critically acclaimed TV miniseries.
2. “The Dig” (2007) – This historical novel is based on the real-life excavation of the Sutton Hoo burial site in Suffolk, England, in 1939. The book was adapted into a popular Netflix film starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan.
3. “Fall: The Mystery of Robert Maxwell” (2021) – This non-fiction book explores the life, business empire, and mysterious death of media tycoon Robert Maxwell. It’s a detailed account of one of the most infamous figures in British business and politics.

Preston’s writing style is often praised for its engaging narrative, blending factual details with novelistic techniques. He has also contributed to newspapers like The Sunday Telegraph and The Guardian.

Sutton Hoo: A Short Description

Sutton Hoo is an archaeological site in Suffolk, England, famous for its Anglo-Saxon burial mounds, including the discovery of an elaborate ship burial. This site is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in British history, offering a wealth of information about early medieval England.

Key Highlights of Sutton Hoo:

1. The Ship Burial: The most famous discovery at Sutton Hoo is the 27-metre (89-foot) long Anglo-Saxon ship burial, believed to date from the early 7th century AD. The ship, though only the imprint and rivets remained, is thought to have been the final resting place of a high-status individual, possibly King Rædwald of East Anglia, though this is debated.
2. Burial Treasure: The grave contained an extraordinary collection of grave goods, including weapons, armour, gold and garnet jewellery, silverware, coins, and personal items. The most iconic of these treasures is the Sutton Hoo helmet, an ornate, intricately decorated Anglo-Saxon helmet. It has become one of the most recognised symbols of early medieval Britain.
3. Historical Importance: The find is often referred to as “Britain’s Tutankhamun” due to the richness and historical significance of the artefacts. The site provided insights into the culture, art, and political life of the Anglo-Saxons, especially during a period that had few written records.
4. Discovery: Sutton Hoo was excavated in 1939 after Edith Pretty, the landowner, hired self-taught archaeologist Basil Brown to investigate the burial mounds on her property. Their excavation, particularly the ship burial, was a landmark moment in British archaeology. Later, professional archaeologists, including Charles Phillips from the British Museum, were brought in to help with the discovery.
5. The Burial Mounds: The site consists of several mounds, some of which had been looted or disturbed. However, the ship burial was largely intact, providing an incredibly well-preserved glimpse into Anglo-Saxon funerary practices and craftsmanship.
6. Exhibition and Legacy: Many of the artefacts from Sutton Hoo are now housed in the British Museum, where they continue to draw attention for their historical and artistic significance. The site itself is managed by the National Trust, and visitors can explore the grounds and learn more about the discovery through exhibitions.

Sutton Hoo reshaped the understanding of the early medieval period in England, highlighting the sophistication and connections of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom with the wider European world.

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