Rosemary Sutcliff has long been acclaimed for her historical novels, especially those about the early peoples of Britain. She was a master at recreating in fiction the rites and rituals of primitive religions. The author explores Sutcliff's use of sacred themes through twelve of her most famous novels. Students of children's literature, librarians, and teachers of literature and history will find, in addition to a detailed analysis of each novel, an examination of Sutcliff's sources and influences, implications for use with students, a short biography of Sutcliff, and a complete list of her published work. Especially relevant to readers and teachers interested in sacred mythology or feminism. Bibliography and index.

"Talcroft's thesis is extensively researched, well-documented, and well-written. She provides deep comprehension of Sutcliff's work." - VOYA

"It is a delight to find Sutcliff's works treated with such historical insight and reverence for their hidden messages...A well-deserved tribute to one of our best ever historical writers." - Bookchat

"...a thoroughly researched, assiduously documented, and carefully presented analysis of twelve of Sutcliff's historical novels." - Youth Services in Libraries