Book Description
The ancient city of Angkor has fascinated Westerners since its rediscovery in the mid-nineteenth century. A great deal is now known about the brilliant Khmer civilization that flourished among the monsoon forests and rice paddies of mainland Southeast Asia, thanks to the pioneering work of French scholars and the application of modern archaeological techniques such as remote sensing from the space shuttle.
The classic-period Khmer kings ruled over their part-Hindu and part-Buddhist empire from AD 802 for more than five centuries. This period saw the construction of many architectural masterpieces, including the huge capital city of Angkor, with the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure. Numerous other provincial centers, bound together by an impressive imperial road system, were scattered across the Cambodian Plain, northeast Thailand, southern Laos, and the Delta of southern Vietnam. Khmer civilization by no means disappeared with the gradual abandonment of Angkor that began in the fourteenth century, and the book's final chapter describes the conversion of the Khmer to a different kind of Buddhism, the move of the capital downriver to the Phnom Penh area, and the reorientation of the Khmer state to maritime trade.
Angkor and the Khmer Civilization presents a concise but complete picture of Khmer cultural history from the Stone Age until the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1863, and is lavishly illustrated with maps, plans, drawings, and photographs. Drawing on the latest archaeological research, Michael D. Coe brings to life Angkor's extraordinary society and culture. 130 illustrations, 22 in color.
Customer Reviews:
Angkor and the Khmer civilization.......2007-05-29
The title "Angkor and the Khmer civilization" is misleading in that sense this book treats the Khmer civilization from the prehistory to the 21st century in mainland South East Asia. In this specific context this is an interesting book. In the context of the Khmer civilization restricted to Angkor I would recommend Charles' Higham "The civilization of Angkor ".The Civilization of AngkorCambodian Architecture: Eighth to Thirteenth Centuries (Handbook of Oriental Studies/Handbuch Der Orientalistik)The Archaeology of Mainland Southeast Asia: From 10,000 B.C. to the Fall of Angkor (Cambridge World Archaeology)The Khmers (The Peoples of South East Asia and the Pacific)A History of Cambodia
A College Student's Review.......2006-11-02
Coe reaches surprisingly far in his pre-historical research. His findings are highly informative, and he conducted research beginning with the earliest traces of civilization in Cambodia. While at first this may seem to hold less relevance than a discussion of more modern times, he successfully seams different eras in Khmer civilization together, so that one understands Khmer history as a smoothly flowing story. In his descriptions of Khmer culture and artifacts, it is clear that Coe is steeped in anthropological and archeological knowledge, and he succeeds in his goal of providing such information clearly.
His style of writing is very clear and refreshing. It allows the reader to easily take in the vast information he presents. At just under two-hundred-fifty pages, Coe provides an abundance of information clearly and concisely. His writing is not dry or verbose, words that are all too often used to describe historical texts. Angkor presents all the information that an historical scholar could hope for, without presenting it in a lifeless manner.
Surprised and pleased to see Coe knows Angkor!.......2006-07-17
I was at the SF Asian Museum seeing what turned out to be a not-great exhibit this weekend, and wandered into the book store thinking I'd pick something up in advance of a trip to Cambodia in the fall. Shock of shocks, I found that Coe, whom I've read avidly for his great coverage of the Maya, knows the Khmer as well.
This book is as readable yet comprehensive as is his great work on the Maya, which I've absorbed over the past five years during a Maya obsession. I had a spare three hours this afternoon, and comfortably plowed through five detailed chapters. How frequently can you say that about an academic's work (other than the work in geology of my father-in-law, Dave Alt, and I guess Witold Rybczynski . . . .).
Now I guess I need to pull out the Chocolate book (another surprise--written by Coe's wife and edited by him after her death) and delve back into that---
Great Research Text.......2005-10-11
The most thoroughly researched text that I found regarding the temples and historic context of the "Classic" Khmer period. Not the best guide once you get to the site -- that would be Laur's illustrated guide. If you miss the boat on ordering both of these texts prior to your trip, you can get them both in the bookstore in Seim Reap. Some of the street vendors at the temples peddle illegal copies of the Coe book. Info as of 10/05.
Angkor and the Khmer Civilization.......2003-11-16
The great Khmer Empire, best known for its astonishing temples at Angkor, has long fascinated visitors, arm-chair tourists, and scholars alike. In his new book, "Angkor and the Khmer Civilization," archaeologist Michael Coe has written what I believe is, simply, the best current (2003) presentation of the history and culture of this wonderful (literally: full of wonders) ancient civilization. Reading Coe's book is like having a delightful one-on-one conversation with a first-rate thinker, scholar, and teacher. Coe's writing is superbly well-organized, logical, fascinating, concise, and comprehensive. The book is enhanced by numerous high-quality photo illustrations and maps, fully referenced bibliography and notes, and a better-than-average topical index.
Most importantly, this book is obviously a labor of love. Coe, a well-known Mayanist, returns here to his first love, the archaeology of southeast Asia; although political circumstances (e.g.: the Vietnam War, the Pol Pot regime) prevented him from digging in the field, Coe has mastered the literature and walked the sites; his book illuminates the full chronological sweep of Khmer history and culture, from its prehistoric beginnings through the post-Classic period, as never before. It is intellectually exciting, a pleasure to read, and sure to delight anyone from the casual tourist to the experienced professional. Put it together with Freeman and Jacques' "Ancient Angkor," and you have the perfect companions for your next trip to Angkor.
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Of Gods, Kings and Men: The Reliefs of Angkor Wat
Manufacturer: Silkworm Books
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Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places)
ASIN: 9749511182 |
Book Description
The rich and evocative bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat have captured the imagination of travelers, artists, and scholars for centuries. Built for the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the twelfth century, the enormous temple complex consists of an outer enclosure surrounded by a moat, with three further concentric rectangular enclosures inside it. The bas-reliefs featured in this book are carved on the walls of the third enclosure. Jaroslav Poncar has brilliantly captured the detail of these huge reliefs, measuring more than two meters in height and five hundred meters in overall length, using the high-precision technique of slit-scan photography. One hundred full-page panoramic photographs bring readers within the very walls of Angkor. Scenes from the great Indian epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata are expansively explained and interpreted by Angkor expert Thomas S. Maxwell.
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- Most beautiful current book on Khmer sculpture
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Sculpture of Angkor and Ancient Cambodia: Millennium of Glory
National Gallery of Art (U. S.)
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0500237387 |
Book Description
The thousand-year artistic legacy of Cambodia includes some of the world's most beautiful works of art and architecture. This richly illustrated volume, published to coincide with an exhibition organized by the National Gallery of Art and the Runion des Muses Nationnaux, examines the powerful and original Khmer culture that flourished on the mainland of Southeast Asia between 600 and 1600 A.D. Centered on the northern shores of Cambodia's Great Lake, the Tonle Sap, and extending westward into eastern Thailand, the civilization reached its apogee in the early twelfth century with the construction of the Temple of Angkor. Embracing both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the sculpture ranges from monumental works in sandstone representing gods and goddesses, guardians, female dancers, and legendary creatures, to refined ritual and ceremonial bronzes. Essays by an international group of scholars together with narrative discussions of each of the works illustrated provide a fascinating introduction to a culture that is still relatively unknown.
Customer Reviews:
Most beautiful current book on Khmer sculpture.......2001-03-11
This is a superbly produced book about ancient sculpture from the Angkor region. The photographs are wonderful and the text is well written and scholarly. If, as I do, you believe that Khmer sculpture is amongst the most beautiful ever made then you will be able to spend hours enjoying this book. One warning: since most of the objects are located in the museum in Phnom Penh, if you are a collector of such books you are unlikely to find images of sculptures which you haven't seen already.
Book Description
French scholar, Claude Jacques, has studied Angkor for the past 30 years, while Michael Freeman has made many photographic trips there during a 20-yea r period. Ancient Angkor embodies the fruits of their collaboration and experience.
Customer Reviews:
Take It With You When You Go.......2003-06-15
This book will guide you step by step (literally) through the magnificant temples of Angkor. And even if you weren't planning to go, you will want to for sure, after viewing Michael Freeman's superb photographs and reading Claude Jacques' expert commentary.
No matter where you wander on the very large site of Angkor, Freeman and Jacques are right alongside you, suggesting places to look and explaining what you are looking at. There are maps and temple plans, a glossary, and an index. For visitors with limited time, the suggested itineraries (from one to seven days' length) will let you make the most of your visit.
The book is especially helpful for photographers. Freeman, who has photographed professionaly at Angkor for over a decade, describes the best vantage points and subjects, suggests the best time of day to shoot, and provides itineraries that take you to each location just when the light is best.
The book is well designed and contains many helpful features. For example, a cross-referenced list of architectural features and mythological scenes makes it easy to locate temples that contain whatever the visitor is most interested in seeing.
In short, carrying this book with you is like having an expert photographer and historian as personal guides during your visit to Angkor. You probably won't even need to engage an actual guide, unless you want to pick up a bit of local color; everything you need is right there in the book.
A first Class guide to a fantastic set of buildings.......2002-06-23
This book is a fantastic combination of pictures and facts for people wanting to visit the Angkor temples. The pictures stir the imagination and the text provides the facts to go with the pictures.
In fact I recently used this book as my guide while visiting Angkor. It provides a section for each of the most-visited temples and will also give you information on suggested time to put aside for each visit and the best time to go. In fact, my guide at Angkor said this was the best guide book he had seen, and I saw other people using this same book to guide themselves around the temples like I did.
This book provides suggested itineries to the temples and the best times to visist for photography. whether you can actually manage to combine the two is debatable on a short visit. The books main downfall is not its content, but its weight which is quite heavy because of the good quality paper used.
The climate (extremely hot and humid - air conditioning is a worthwhile investment) can make visiting these monuments as trial at times, but they are worth the effort. All the buildings are unique, covered in exquiste carvings (which books can only hint at) and original. Some are still partly swallowed by the jungle. Straight out of indiana Jones.
Get this book, let your imagination wander and visit these amazing ruins if you can before too many other tourists turn up - for they are a world wonder not to be missed. And don't forget your camera - these are places begging to be photographed.
Ancient Angkor.......2000-04-19
A lovingly prepared compilation of superb color photographs, maps, history and scholarly explanations of the major world monument that is Angkor Wat. The authors thoughtfully include suggested itineraries ( ranging from one to six days ), sites ranked by interest, peak times and locations for photographing and even helpful suggestions for accomodations. A must for planning a visit to Angkor Wat or for preserving memories.
Customer Reviews:
A Book About Scholarship About Angkor.......2000-03-06
This is an interesting book on the history of research, scholarship, and popular views of Angkor. Unfortunately, there is not much information about the city or culture of Angkor. Thus the book is mistitled. Are the French and other explorers and scholars of Angkor really more important than the ancient Khmer peoples and their accomplishments?
Discovering ancient ruins.......1997-01-18
Angkor is an ancient Cambodia city, which is mostly
known for its temples with giant smiling faces carved
on them, and banyan trees growing all over them.
This book has a few Chinese accounts of
Angkor when it was still inhabited, but deals mostly with
its discovery by western archeologists, and subsequent
tourism and restoration efforts. The book also has brief
discussions of military campaigns from the colonial period
through the Khmer Rouge, and their impact on the ruins.
There are some nice cross section illustrations of the
temples at Angkor Wat, and many photographs of banyan trees
growing on buildings.
Book Description
Angkor, at the heart of the Khmer empire, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Stretching over hundreds of square miles, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. These include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its ornate sculptural decorations. Based on the most recent archaeological findings, this essential guidebook explains the development of the civilization's strongly symbolic art. With its concise, insightful text, superb photographs, and handy, portable format, this guidebook is an essential resource for students, art and archaeology enthusiasts, and the many travelers to Cambodia each year.
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The Ancient Civilization of Angkor
Christopher Pym
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0451608585 |
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Angkor the magnificent, the wonder city of ancient Cambodia,
Helen Churchill Hungerford Candee
Manufacturer: Frederick A. Stokes Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B00085LDAI |
Book Description
Nye analyzes the transformation of the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls into tourist sites, the history of light shows at world's fairs, the New Deal programs designed to provide electricity to rural areas, and the Apollo 11 moon landing to reveal how the spaces we live in and the technology we use are integral to American identity, and a key part of American self-representation. Nye also turns his attention to the Internet, where technology has not simply transformed space, but created a whole new kind of space, and with it, new stories.
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Private Topographies: Space, Subjectivity and Political Change in Modern Latin America
Marzena Grzegorczyk
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1403967482
Release Date: 2005-03-24 |
Book Description
In Private Topographies, Grzegorczyk identifies and analyzes the types of postcolonial subjectivity prevalent among the Creole (Euro-American) ruling classes in post-independence, nineteenth-century century Latin America as articulated through their relation to their surroundings. Exactly how did creole elites change their self-conception in the wake of independence? In what ways and why did they feel compelled to restructure their personal space? What contradictions did they respond to? Where and how were the boundaries between public and private constructed? How were the categories of race and gender relevant to this process? For the first time, this book links together political transitions (the end of the colonial period in Latin America) with "implacements"--attempts that people make to reorganize the space around them. By looking at cartographies of states and regions, the structure of towns, and appearance and lay-out of homes in literature from Mexico, Argentina and Brazil from this nineteenth century period of transition, Grzegorczyk sheds new light on the ways a culture remakes itself and the mechanisms through which subjectivities shift during periods of political change.
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Space and Technology (Century of Change)
Jane Shuter
Manufacturer: Heinemann Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0431038805 |
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Why the Future Doesn't Need Us: How 21st Century Technologies Threaten to Make Humans an Endangered Species
Manufacturer: Random House Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 0553528351 |
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The Civilization of Angkor
A History of Cambodia
Angkor: Celestial Temples of the Khmer
Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide)
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