Caponigro, Paul. Megaliths by Paul Caponigro.

New York Graphic Society, 1986. First edition in cloth, near fine with very good protected dust jacket with a closed edge tear. 119 plates of standing stones, cairns, dolmens, and prehistoric tombs plus text illustrations. Includes descriptions of sites, including Stonehenge and others in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Finely printed by Meriden/Stinehour Press on Mohawk Superfine, an acid-free paper. Heavy book, requires more postage than most. Summary:

Megaliths (published in 1986) is a large-format photographic monograph in which American landscape photographer Paul Caponigro presents his evocative black-and-white images of prehistoric stone monuments — such as standing stones, stone circles, dolmens, cairns, and other megalithic structures — primarily across the British Isles (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). The book contains around 119 photographic plates along with accompanying illustrations and textual descriptions of the sites.

Rather than simply documenting these ancient structures in an archaeological sense, Caponigro’s approach is artistic and contemplative: his photographs capture the mystical presence, enduring form, and atmospheric relationship between the stones and the surrounding landscape. His imagery emphasizes tonal richness, subtle light, and a sense of quiet meditation on the monuments’ deep historical and spiritual resonance.

The book includes site notes and brief descriptions that provide context for each location — such as Stonehenge and the Callanish Stones — but the primary focus remains on the visual experience: Caponigro’s images draw viewers into both the physical presence of the megaliths and the ancient, timeless landscape that surrounds them.

Overall, Megaliths is a photographic celebration of prehistoric stone architecture that blends Caponigro’s mastery of black-and-white photography with his interest in the profound, almost spiritual qualities of natural and monumental forms.