Discoveries: Petra: Lost City of the Ancient World (Discoveries (Abrams))

Book Description

This rich narrative history surveys the art, culture, and stunning architecture of the ancient city of Petra, whose hidden monuments are carved out of Jordan's rocky cliffs, and whose rare beauty steadily draws tourists to this remote site in the Arabian desert. 125 illustrations, 108 in full color, 5 x 7"

Customer Reviews:

Petra.......2007-02-13

My husband and I bought this book before we visited Petra last year. It was a good primmer on the area but in no way can prepare you for what you are about to see.

Perfect travel companion..........2003-03-03

Even though it lacks the details of bigger books such as Udi Levy's "The Lost Civilization of Petra" (a hardback book), it doesn't mean it lacks details altogether! I found this book to be a great source of information while I was travelling since it is small and stocked full of info on Petra, the Nabateans, and more.

This book is loaded with colorful well-photographed pictures and lithographs, and lively-written text which makes reading it a breeze. I fit this book in my back pocket while in Petra and pulled it out to get details on things like the great cisterns and the waterway through the main siq. The section at the end of the book on modern plans to try and preserve Petra's vulnerable sandstone is very interesting... Electophoresis?!?! Wow!

The book wraps up everything with a chronology at the end and a list of Nabataea's kings. A very enjoyable and informative read considering its small size... Big things do come in small packages!

Petra: Lost City of the Ancient World. "Petra's ancient.......2002-07-24

Semitic name, Reqem or Raqmu, is said to mean 'striped,' or 'multicolored,' a reference to the extraodinary range of colors of its sandstone. Monuments carved into living rock may seem indesructible, yet the site is threatened by natural erosion nd by the neglect of centuries. Today, remedies are being explored to halt this deterioration."(Page 114). What a way to complete the most detailed history of Petra, by indicating the preservation needed to protect Petra for posterity.
Putting the "cart before the horse" I just have to marvel (before I neglect to mention) that this book includes a helpful chronology of events at the very back of the book.
"Petra...the name is said to come from the Greek word for stone, or rock, since the city itself was hollowed out of the rock. But it may just as well have come from the Arabic batara, meaning to cut or hew, since the city was actually carved from rock... perhaps this is even the better etymology, since this was a place cut off from the rest of the world. --Nabil Naoum, Le Chateau de la princesse (The Castle of the Princes), from Petra: Le Dit des pierres (Petra: The Stones Speak), edited by Phillippe Cardinal, 1993."(Page 96.)
The book begins with Petra emerging from obscurity with the first archaeological missions. The book comprises the history of Petras peoples; lengthy revelations of The Nabataeans (and their other cities, too); "location, location, location!"; part of the caravan route and its participation in international trade; nomadic to stationary living; city planning; housing; temples, sanctuaries; and anatomy of forms of architecture. "It is Petra's funerary architecture, most famous in its rock-hewn form, that best reflects this dual cultural identity, Eastern and Hellenistic. Interest has focused on the facades that mark the entry to a funerary chamber excavated directly into the rock. These can be understood as a monumental form of the nefesh, an erect stele that indicates the presence of a deceased, just as a baetyl indicates the presence of a divinity. The facade shows the importance of the deceased and of his or her family..."(Page 84). Such rich architectural fetes are revealed to us within the framework of this work! Do take time to study the water system of Petra.
"...due to a series of earthquakes, especially one in the 8th century, construction seems to have come to a halt there earlier than it did in regions farther to the north. We know little about Petra between the 7th and 10th centuries. By the Middle Ages, it may have been virtually deserted. We know that in the 12th century, one of the Crusader kings of Jerusalem, Baldwin I or II, built a castle at al-Wu'eira, in the Valley of Moses. Few medieval documents refer to the city, but a confused memory of its ancient rank as the capital of a far-reaching kingdom livd on. Oddly, traces of its old Aramaic and Babataean name, Arken or Reqem, meaning 'the Multi-colored,' survived. In 1217, a German pilgrim named Thetmar passed very close to a place he called 'Archim, formerly the metropolis of the Arabs.' The Arab chronicler Numeiri (1279-1332) gives a short description of the site as it was when the Mamluk Sultan Baybars I of Egypt and Syria saw it is 1276. He mentions the tomb of Aaron, the ruins of a fort, and the 'marvelous' ornate houses cut into the cliffs, but he does not name it. Neither writer says anything of its inhabitants. The Nabataeans themselves, and the Greco-Latin name Petra, remained lost until the rediscovery of the city by the first Western travelers of the 19th century. The enthusiasm aroused by this discovery has not faded, and the work of exploration and recovery is nowhere near to being finished. Nearly two hundred years of research, in fact, have raised more questions than answers. New avenues of investigation emerge daily. Most of the city still remains to be excavated and the civilization of Nabatea finally revealed." (Page 94-95).
Thank goodness the Jordanian people have someone like Queen Noor who can appreciate the importance of Petra, who as a patron of architecture, thanks to her background in this field, is a proponent to its preservation.
The staff of The Harry N. Abrams, Inc., publishing house have created a masterpiece in "Petra: lost city of the ancient world." The many books I have read with regard to Biblical architecture/archaeology, have seriously been lacking good arial photography, and the people at Abrams certainly satisfied my ravenousness desire for pictures of Petra!

Petra.......2000-06-16

This book has been done in a style similar to a National Geographic magazine. It combines a history of the city and its excavations with exquisite photographs and drawings. This book was well researched and does an excellent job describing the ancient city which was carved entirely out of the cliffs which make Petra unique. I reccomend this book to anyone who has an interest in the history of the Fertile Crescent, Jordan, archaelogy, or the 7 wonders of the ancient world (This book asserts that Petra is considered to be an eighth wonder).

Customer Reviews:

Intimidated by those fancy little tubes of paint?.......2002-05-05

Frightened by those broad, flat, expanses of white watercolour paper? Watercolour Fast and Loose is for you! This book "sweeps aside the false mystique" of painting with "techniques based on practical common-sense and a bit of home-spun psychology." This how-to, heavily illustrated, book investigates the value of paint, types of paper and even which brushes to use - and presents useful advise with almost unlimited enthusiasm.

As the author, watercolourist Ron Ranson states in the Introduction, his goal is to relate to the reader. Even though you've "waged the psychological struggle" before, only to have lost - by getting materials out and then being afraid to ruin that lovely sheet of white paper - this book will truly get you itching to try Ranson's methods.

Ranson's paintings and techniques in this book emphasise loose, free, impressionistic renderings of landscapes. If you're looking for cloying illustrations of nostalgic subjects and "hearts and flowers," you'll have to look elsewhere. This book is chockfull of advice on representing trees and skies, composing pictures, tonal values and simplifying photos to painting.

You will pick this book up again and again as your own "ouvre" develops, as it's the kind of advice you'd get if you were lucky enough to have a beloved English uncle - that could paint like only Ron Ranson can! For example; "You can't go through life avoiding figures in your landscapes - just because you're afraid of spoiling your pictures. Students often seem to belive that they need training in life drawing before they can portray them with confidence - this simply isn't true." And better yet, the author goes on to show you just exactly how to paint: outlining tools to use, many varying examples, and an absolulely indispensible "do's and don'ts" list that should be mandatory reading for every painter.

Another example in "The Materials" chapter; "This is going to be short chapter because the materials I'm going to show you are few, simple and reasonably cheap to buy." If a statement like that doesn't get you itching to paint, you can always go back to charcoals!

Average customer rating:
Marion Stalens - Pola X
Leos Carax
Manufacturer: Rockin'On,Japan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 4947599758

Book Description

This ravishing volume is the official companion to one of the blockbuster films of 2005, featuring the complete original screenplay and more than 150 stunning images from both the film and the theater productions worldwide. Forewords by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Joel Schumacher.

Customer Reviews:

great film!.......2007-10-03

I love the story. It is very interesting. Other people might love the story as well; It has a different version on what is the actual opera show has; and that makes the story more successful. I love the whole side of the story.... the characters, the set-ups, the pacing and the musics. Being a phantom opera fan, I am not disappointed. Well, infact the directors and the whole cast was very amazing. The story captures the all the things you cannot imagine on the phantom of the opera alone. I will always love the movie....

EXCELLENT.......2007-08-11

I cannot say enough about this book. If you loved the movie version of POTO than this is a MUST for you. IT goes into the history of the story and right up to the movie made in 2004. I've turned mine into a scrapbook. I've printed out pictures from the movie off the internet and have included them in many of the pages here. If you especially liked Gerard Butler as the Phantom...buy it!! You will not be sorry.

Very enjoyable...nice addition to your collection........2007-03-24

Being a die-hard phan (as most of you reading this probably are as well), I devour nearly anything related to our man in the mask. After seeing (and totally loving!) the 2004 movie with Gerard Butler, I bought this companion book as soon as possible. It contains very interesting background information from the Phantom's beginnings in the G. Leroux novel, continuing through almost every incarnation of him up to and including the 2004 movie. It was nice to read so much background detail. The last part of this book contains the screenplay. Before ordering this book, I had thought this section would read as more of a "novel" of the movie rather than a movie script itself, so I was a bit disappointed by that. The text is a little choppy at times, but it is interesting nonetheless and provides certain insights you cannot know simply from watching the movie. I would say this book is more of the fluffy, "coffee-table" material for casual reading. Very pretty throughout - nice pictures - an overall good addition to any phan's collection.

Fabulous book to accompany a fabulous story.......2007-02-01

This book is a must-have for any Phantom of the Opera fan. The Complete Phantom of the Opera by George Perry is more detailed on the story behind the musical, but as an updated version that includes info and pictures from the movie, this book is essential to any true "Phan".

A Phantom Memory.......2007-01-05

A must have book for anyone who loved the movie or the play. I have seen both ways and enjoyed the book just as much. This was a wonderful ensight into how the movie was made and all the work to make the movie possible.

The Phantom of the Opera Companion (Reduced Format Companion)

Average customer rating:

Great accompaniment for the DVD

The Phantom of the Opera Companion (Reduced Format Companion)
Martin Knowlden
Manufacturer: Anova Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 186205763X

Book Description

One of the most successful musicals of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” has been running for 20 years on Broadway and on London’s West End. It has dazzled more than 100 million people in 22 countries, and went on to become a major feature film. This pictorial companion is the definitive account of the award-winning masterpiece. It traces the Phantom legend from its origins in historical fact through numerous artistic incarnations to the present-day theater production and film. Arranged in three parts, the first introduces the reader to Gaston Leroux’s classic story, while the second part offers a unique insight into the acclaimed theater production, with backstage photos and commentary from the director, designers, and crew. The final section, which contains the original screenplay, looks at the making of Joel Schumacher’s film, introducing the cast and featuring exclusive photos and interviews. A splendid celebration of a classic story and its many incarnations. This ravishing volume features the complete original screenplay and more than 150 color images from both the film and theater productions worldwide. Now in an elegant and affordable smaller-format edition.

Customer Reviews:

Great accompaniment for the DVD.......2007-09-09

I was doing some research on the original story of The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber did well to put this book out. It gives a historical account of the progression of the Phantom tale from its original novel in 1910 to its current state in the Lloyd-Webber empire.

The Gaston Leroux bedside companion: Weird stories by the author of "The phantom of the opera"

Average customer rating:

Good book..but...
Leroux rules!

The Gaston Leroux bedside companion: Weird stories by the author of "The phantom of the opera"
Gaston Leroux
Manufacturer: Gollancz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

French | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0575028262

Customer Reviews:

Good book..but..........2005-04-07

Why is this book going for such high prices? It's not really THAT good! Granted, I love The Phantom of the Opera..and I am a Leroux purist when it comes to Erik...but one can purchase the individual Leroux stories that are found in this text...and save a ton of money. I suppose the hike in price is because of all the hype that has transpired with the coming of the newest ALW Phantom movie, but do not waste your hard earned cash on this book.....Borrow it from your library, or have them Interlibrary Loan it for you. You won't be disappointed then...

Leroux rules!.......2000-03-31

If you loved the Phantom of the Opera and love Leroux's style of writing and stories, this book is for you! It combines into one volume awesome stories by one of the best authors ever. A must have for all mystery fans.

Book Description

A lyrical and photographic account of the Neil Finn experience.

Customer Reviews:

Nice for Finn fans, but not coffee table quality........2004-07-16

Neil Finn, formerly of Split Enz and Crowded House, shows some real writing talent with his very personal, and at times incisive, commentary on his first post-Crowded House solo tour to promote the superb `Try Whistling This'. His prose offers glimpses into the rigors of such a tour, as well as revealing the effect on his personal and family life. He offers insightful comments on the demands of and skills required to navigate through the business and logistical maze of pulling a tour off. Finn notes, for example, that in trying to remember all of the event details and people he encounters good "short-term memory" is needed, adding parenthetically (and with some humor) "marijuana is not recommended." I read Finn's words in one sitting, and was transported to his world, however briefly.
As pointed out by at least one other reviewer, however, there is a weakness with this book. It is essentially a pictorial, embellished by Finn's writing. Given this, the photography is obviously crucial. Regrettably, the photographs just don't rise to the occasion. While it is true that there are a few really good shots (my favorite being a shot of Neil and his drummer playing chess next to a window, with the vast expanse of the Western states streaking by), there are even more lame shots. With all due respect to photographer and Finn family friend Mark Smith, many of those buying this book could probably do as good (or better) a job than is evident here. Two full, open-leaf pages of airplane contrail? A squashed bug on a windshield? Close-up shots of orange traffic safety cones? Maybe you had to have been there. In any event, I give the book 4 stars for Neil Finn's writing, 2 stars for the photography, hence the composite of 3 stars.

Fine for Finn fans, fails as fotography.......2003-07-27

The real reason for owning this book is Neil's essay on touring in support of his first solo album, "Try Whistling This." His prose is sincere and thoughtful, at times poetic and heartfelt, as when he reflects on the departure of Paul Hester from Crowded House, or the pride in having his son, Liam, on stage with him. Smith's photography is a disappointing accompaniment, and part of that may have been the restrictions Finn placed on him, "(Neil's) hesitancy in front of the lens was hard to swallow, although I understood and respected his...desire for privacy."

Of the 134 images featured in this book, only 30 feature Neil. Many of these resemble nothing more than bad fan photos: poorly composed, badly lit and frequently out of focus. There are a handful of standout images however. A two-page colour spread of Neil performing "Sinner" at the Manchester Apollo could easily have been used for the cover of a CD single. Another shot of a fireworks store in Shelton, West Virginia reminds one of William Eggleston. But for each gem, there are half a dozen shots that leave you scratching your head. Why, for instance, was it necessary to include a picture of a toilet seat cover dispenser from a restroom in Utah, upon which a previous occupant had written a racial slur against Mexicans?

For hardcore Finn fans, it's a no-brainer whether or not you'll want "Once Removed." Unfortunately, the book's title may well hold the answer to how often you remove it from your bookshelf following your initial read.

Try Reading This.......2002-06-09

Without a doubt, Neil Finn is one of the most talented, and under-appreciated songwriters of our time. If you are already a Finn Fan, this book will serve as a tool to give you more insight into the man, his life, and his music. If you're not a fan already, Neil's words, along with Mark Smith's beautiful photographs, may very well make you want to hear the music.

Want to know Neil?.......2002-05-31

If you like to get into the heads of your favorite muscians, and Neil Finn is one of them - then you need this book. The pictures are great, but the commentary from Neil is what makes it worth it. When you read it you can hear Neil saying these things. There are great little stories about his family and tour life during the "Try Whistling This" tour. You just get to know Neil and his family a little bit more. It's nice to see that he is a real person. This is a must for any Neil Finn fan.

i was removed.......2002-04-09

This is an awesome collaboration from both photograher & author.
Honest and breathing of the emotions that Neil Finn and his family have experienced with their touring entourage as they travelled, Neil's text flows like one reflective ballad.
The photography is stunning and takes you there. This is a truly moving and rich insight into the World Tour of a most genius songwriters of our time.

Book Description

With programs like Big Brother making instant celebrities out of complete nobodys there has never been a better time write a book about how to be a celebrity. Contents would include acceptable and unacceptable diseases, who to sleep with and who not ot sleep with, how to get into Hello magazine and how to keep out of Goat Fanciers Monthly and how to work out which celebrity category that you fit into.

Average customer rating:

Simply Astounding
Edited with boys in mind.
A great book for both parents and kids
Every kid and parent should read this book!!

Kids' Little Instruction Book
Dodson
Manufacturer: Troll Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0816741816

Customer Reviews:

Simply Astounding.......1999-09-30

This wonderful palm-sized instruction manual is chock full of helpful hints and tips to get a young lady or gentleman through often difficult times. As a friend of the Editor and Contributor, I can tell you that the clues between the covers came straight from the mouths of the Worlds largest idols and teen icons. Many years and long hours went into the making of this extensive collection. I highly recommend this book as well as the original Little Instruction Book series. I hope there will be a second edition!

Edited with boys in mind........1999-05-29

There were a few gems but they were hard to find. For example, Stanley Kramer's "Take your work seriously--and yourself not at all" was a lot more valuable than Christian (pro basketball player) Laettner's comment to "Study hard. Work hard. Have tall parents."

A great book for both parents and kids.......1997-08-04

This is a wonderful book for parents and kids to share with each other. Many times kids won't listen to advice from their parents, but when the same advice comes from Shaquille O'Neal or one of their favorite ballplayers they sit up and take notice. A must for any parent trying to raise kids and any kid trying to raise parents.

Every kid and parent should read this book!!.......1997-08-04

It was fun and entertaining while providing important messages and insights. It's amazing how many famous people are included in the book. What's more amazing is that two teenage brothers compiled this advice. I highly recommend it to both kids and parents!

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