T. C. Lethbridge is the author of numerous books, ranging from pre-history and archaeology to witchcraft and I suppose what we could call the paranormal. I first came across his work in the writings of Colin Wilson (an English author who introduced me to many obscure writings such as these), in connection with the paranormal, and I managed to find a copy of "The Essential T. C. Lethbridge" over time. I think this book, which was released posthumously as a sort of tribute to the writer, is an interesting indication of the man's depth, which was considerable, yet the original works are far more interesting still.

Two of my favourites are "Herdsmen and Hermits" and "The Painted Men" and for anyone interested in the pre-history of the British Isles, up until the Viking age in about 1000 AD, they are wonderful reading. Lethbridge was recognised as an archaeologist but he always had the most difficult time getting on with the establishment, since he refused to tow the line on accepted history. Therefore he was always working somewhat on his own, without the support of a major institution and its a wonder he managed to make his way as he did, and publish so much.

The other Lethbridge connection which has been of interest to me, is with the Canadian writer Farley Mowat. Although they never met, they were contemporaries and one wonders what the result might have been had they worked on projects jointly. In any case, Mowat eventually discovered Lethbridge's writing and found support for some of his own rather contentious theories about the maritime movements of peoples in northern Britain toward the Americas, before the Viking age. Mowat's book on the subject, "The Farfarers," in which he draws on Lethbridge's "Herdsmen and Hermits," is one of the most interesting books about early North American exploration I've come across. However, there is no doubt that the scientific community views both writers as being outside the pale.

All that is to say that Lethbridge is well worth finding. He reads very well today, although his subject matter is naturally specialised and it is not, I suppose for the general reader. One hopes one day that the important works of writers like T. C. Lethbridge will be brought back into print. In the meantime, good hunting.