Limit this search to....

Echoes of the Ancient Skies: The Astronomy of Lost Civilizations
Contributor(s): Krupp, E. C. (Author)
ISBN: 0486428826     ISBN-13: 9780486428826
Publisher: Dover Publications
OUR PRICE:   $25.16  
Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats
Published: August 2003
Qty:
Temporarily out of stock - Will ship within 2 to 5 weeks
Annotation: Popular, authoritative look at the world of archaeoastronomy, the study of ancient peoples' observation of the skies and its role in their cultural evolution. Contents include The Lights We See, The Skies We Watch, The Gods We Worship, The Tales We Tell, The Dead We Bury, The Vigils We Keep, The Days We Tally, and more. 208 illustrations.
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Science | Astronomy
- Social Science | Archaeology
Dewey: 520.93
LCCN: 2002041788
Series: Dover Books on Astronomy
Physical Information: 1.08" H x 6.24" W x 9.04" (1.58 lbs) 416 pages
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:

It should be read by anyone even remotely interested in the long saga of the universe's profound and lasting influence on mankind's development. -- New Scientist
A grand book. -- Publishers Weekly
Dr. Krupp teaches us once more to look up at the stars and marvel. -- Ray Bradbury
The intriguing world of archaeoastronomy -- the study of ancient peoples' observations of the skies and the impact of what they saw on their cultural evolution -- is the focus of this eminently readable and authoritative survey. Author E. C. Krupp, an astronomer, is the director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. He is one of the world's greatest experts on archaeoastronomy, and the author of numerous books including Beyond the Blue Horizon (1992) and In Search of Ancient Astronomies (1978). His interpretations of sky-watching customs from around the world range from everyday pursuits such as measuring time and calculating planting seasons to philosophical issues concerning the role of humanity within the larger context of the universe.
Beginning with an explanation of how the sky works and how people have relied upon its guidance for centuries, Dr. Krupp explores ancient and prehistoric observatories, from sites in China and Babylonia to Scotland and Peru. He relates sky god mythology from many cultures, discusses astronomy's influence on funerary rites and other vigils and rituals, and profiles sacred places such as Stonehenge and the kivas of the American Southwest. An extraordinary interdisciplinary work of investigation and discovery, this book offers a compelling portrait of the ancient stargazers, their beliefs, and their customs. 208 illustrations. Bibliography. Index.
This remarkable book, written by one of the greatest experts on archaeoastronomy is packed with valuable information. -- Message to Eagle