Chris Durrant's "Basil Brown: Astronomer, Archaeologist, Enigma" unveils the remarkable life of the self-taught Suffolk scholar, Basil Brown. The book highlights Brown's passionate and wide-ranging interests, from his early work as an amateur astronomer meticulously mapping the night sky to his later, more renowned contributions in archaeology.
Durrant focuses particularly on Brown's pivotal role in the discovery of the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo, a find that reshaped our understanding of early English history. Despite a lack of formal training, Brown’s dedication, keen observational skills, and methodical approach were crucial to this world-famous excavation. The synopsis explores how Durrant portrays Brown as a modest yet brilliant figure, whose extraordinary mind and tireless efforts left an indelible mark on both scientific and historical fields, making him a true enigma of discovery.