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Loading... Stories in Stoneby Douglas Keister
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will love Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. Since I am a lecturer involving cemetery research, cemetery symbolism, funeral customs and art, death (customs, photographs, invitations, etc), I purchased this neat book. This book does include wonderful photographs and interesting information. Although I would highly recommend to anyone seeking additional information, it was not as comprehensive as I had hoped. (  ) FayetteFiles | May 20, 2009 |  As a person who spends vacation time learning about history of places, I often find myself in cemeteries. This is a wonderful guide about the markings found there. It touches first on the architectural style of the grave and later on the symbols found on the stone itself. I was disappointed that there wasn't anything specific about cadaver stones. I realize there are very few of them left in the world, but at least a mention would have been neat. They are so very fascinating. And as someone else mentioned, having an edition that has more gravestones from around the world would be nice, since most of those pictured were from the US. (  ) Joles | May 1, 2009 | I love to wander around Graceland Cemetery here in Chicago. I've always wondered what the different decorations on the gravestones represented. Now I have a guide. This will definitely make my next walk much more enlightening. bjshoemaker | Apr 16, 2009 | Summary A guide to identifying the various forms and styles of cemetery structures - tombs, crypts, headstones, vaults, mausoleums, etc... Also includes chapters devoted to the different types of decorations and symbols found on monuments: flora, fauna, religious, and an extensive section on benevolent societies (Masons, Elks, etc...). Entries have detailed descriptions with quoted references to literature and holy texts, and many color photos. Opinion This was a fascinating guide which would be helpful on a cemetery visit. The earliest chapters were the most interesting to me - I skimmed most of the religious quotes and the long section at the end regarding benevolent associations. I won't buy this, but will certainly take it out next time I visit a cemetery, and it has piqued my interest in the subject enough to possibly search out a more extensive history. (Thanks to Pretear for the recommendation!) ( ) callen610 | Apr 11, 2009 | A handy reference guide for anyone interested in the symbolism found in cemeteries and on gravestones. Of particular interest are the sections on various fraternal organizations and acronyms. I reach for this book so often when I'm transcribing cemeteries that I've bought a second copy - I'm sure I'll wear the first one out. ( )1  OsideNative | May 28, 2008 |  no reviews | add a review
Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 158685321X, Hardcover)Certain symbols abound in modern Western culture that are instantly recognizable: the cross signifies Christianity, the six-pointed Star of David is revered by Jews, the golden arches frequently means it's time for lunch. Other symbols, however, require a bit of decoding-particularly those found in cemeteries. < BR> Cemeteries are virtual encyclopedias of symbolism. Engravings on tombstones, mausoleums and memorials tell us just about everything there is to know about a person- date of birth and death as well as religion, ethnicity, occupation, community interests, and much more. In the fascinating new book Stories in Stone: The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism by noted author Douglas Keister, the secrets of cemetery symbolism are finally revealed. For instance, did you know that it is quite rare to see a sunflower on a tombstone? Did you know that the human foot symbolizes humility and service since it consistently touches the earth? Or the humble sheaf of wheat-while it is often used to denote someone who has lived a long and fruitful life, do you know other meanings it might carry? < BR> Stories in Stone provides history along with images of a wide variety of common and not-so-common cemetery symbols, and offers an in-depth examination of stone relics and the personal and intimate details they display-flora and fauna, religious icons, society symbols, and final impressions of how the deceased wished to be remembered. Douglas Keister has created a practical field guide that is compact and portable, perfect for those interested in family histories and genealogical research, and is the only book of its kind that unlocks the language of symbols in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner. < BR> Douglas Keister has photographed fourteen award-winning, critically acclaimed books (including Red Tile Style: America's Spanish Revival Architecture, The Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Home, and Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties) earning him the title "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture." He also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to other books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards. Doug lives in Chico, California, and travels frequently to photograph and lecture on historic architecture and photography.< BR>(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:57:53 -0400) The first test round has been closed. Visit the Open Shelves Classification group for details. |
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