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.
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?
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.
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.
General
Imprint: |
Gibbs M. Smith
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
April 2004 |
First published: |
2004 |
Authors: |
Douglas Keister
|
Dimensions: |
236 x 126 x 20mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
256 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-58685-321-1 |
Categories: |
Books >
Arts & Architecture >
Architecture >
General
|
LSN: |
1-58685-321-X |
Barcode: |
9781586853211 |
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