Footprints in Stone

Footprints in Stone examines supposed footprints, handprints and other bodily impressions found in rocks and monuments. Janet Bord considers marks attributed to early humans, giants, heroes, saints, devils, animals, ghosts, witches, fairies and monsters, treating them as part of a long record of human interpretation rather than as established supernatural evidence.

Drawing on examples from Britain and elsewhere, the book considers how similar impressions have acquired different meanings in different cultures. Its subjects include sacred and legendary figures, local traditions and stones associated with folklore, ritual or unexplained claims. The emphasis is on the significance attached to these marks, and on the stories that have preserved them in cultural memory.