Brukoff, Barry. The Enigma of Stonehenge by John Fowles and Barry Brukoff.

Summit Books, 1980. Photographs by Barry Brukoff, the last taken before Stonehenge was fenced. 128 pages. Hardcover, cloth, with acetate protected dust jacket. Ex-library copy in very good condition, rear flyleaf removed, spine label. Summary:

The Enigma of Stonehenge is a 1980 non-fiction book combining essay and photography to explore the cultural, psychological, and emotional resonance of the ancient monument in Wiltshire, England. Written by British novelist John Fowles with photographs by American artist Barry Brukoff, the work approaches the site through an artistic and philosophical lens rather than a strictly scientific one.

Key Themes & Approach

• Beyond Archaeology: Fowles argues that traditional archaeological and astronomical theories fail to capture the lived human experience of the monument's builders, favoring imagination and artistic reflection over rigid measurement.

• The "Double Reality": Frames Stonehenge as existing in two realms—as a physical structure that resists definitive historical explanation, and as a symbolic canvas reflecting humanity's ongoing search for meaning.

• Philosophical Meditation: Blends historical context with existential musings on ancient culture, mythology, and the limits of human knowledge.

Visual & Artistic Contributions

• Atmospheric Photography: Features over 60 color and black-and-white images by Barry Brukoff that emphasize light, texture, and mood over clinical documentation.

• Immersive Experience: Provides readers with a close-up visual perspective inside the stone circle, offering a sense of intimacy that contrasts with modern site restrictions.