Angkor: Celestial Temples of the Khmer

Book Description

An exquisitely illustrated history and exploration of Angkor, the world's most astonishing architectural treasure.

Built between the ninth and the thirteenth centuries by a succession of twelve Khmer kings, Angkor spreads over 120 square miles in Southeast Asia and includes scores of major architectural sites. In 802, when construction began on Angkor Wat, with wealth from rice and trade, Jayavarman ll took the throne, initiating an unparalleled period of artistic and architectural achievement, exemplified in the fabled ruins of Angkor, center of the ancient empire. Among the amazing pyramid and mandala shaped shrines preserved in the jungles of Cambodia, is Angkor Wat, the world's largest temple, an extraordinarily complex structure filled with iconographic detail and religious symbolism. Perhaps because of the decline of agricultural productivity and the expansion of the Thai Empire, Angkor was abandoned in the fifteenth century and left to the ravages of time. Today, many countries continue efforts to conserve and restore the temples, which have been inaccessible until recently. Now that the civil war has ended, Angkor is being reborn and is an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Undaunted by the difficulties of traveling through Cambodia and eastern Thailand, Jon Ortner, accompanied by his wife Martha, has photographed fifty of the most important and unique monuments of the Khmer Empire. His images include spectacular views from the rooftops of its temples, glorious landscapes, and details of inscriptions and art that few have ever seen.

The text by a team of distinguished experts provides historical, architectural, and religious analyses of Angkor and the Khmer civilization. The Appendix offers a glossary, a chronology of construction, and a chart of the kings and their accomplishments. Black-and-white floor plans and historic watercolors complete this breathtaking tribute.

Other details: 240 illustrations, 225 in full color

Customer Reviews:

Angkor Wat .......2007-09-06

Excellent book! I wish I had known about this book before I went to Angkor Wat.

Photobook Angkor.......2007-06-07

Angkor, Celestial temples of the Khmer Empire is a photobook limited to the Angkor Site and some outlining temples. Although the quality of the photo's is excellent, the book itself with regards to the informative value is disappointing. An exception to this is the chronology of sites. Angkor: Temples et monumentsThe Treasures of Angkor: Cultural Travel Guide (Rizzoli Art Guide)Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide)Ancient Angkor (River Book Guides)Angkor Cities and Temples

Outstanding Photos and history.......2006-03-09

I purchased three books on Angkor Wat after my week visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia and this book was by far the best I have seen. The photos are excellent and the narration in very informative. It is expensive but worth it.

Awesome Angkor.......2005-04-09

Wow, what a spectacular book, truly amazing. I was blown away by the quality of the photography, the reader actually feels like they are in the jungle amid the ruins of Angkor. I have never visited Angkor Wat and probably never will, but after experiencing this book, I feel somehow that I have been there. The quality of the book is superior and the book even comes in a wonderful case. The publisher should be congradulated, it's a luxurious book. Some books are extremely expensive and you wonder why, I can assure you, you will not ask that about this one. If you have any interest in this subject or just like to own beautiful things I urge you to purchase this book, it will be a jewel in your book collection

A Must-Have Book on Angkor Temples.......2004-02-02

Through his magical photographic eye, Jon Ortner has created a wondrous collection of striking images and scholarly prose. His perfectly lit photographs and well-documented historic descriptions allow one to easily understand this complicated ancient subject. Each temple is clearly organized into relevant sections from the central Angkor area to the rare and never-before-seen temples in the outer lying areas. If you have visited Angkor - Ortner's book is the perfect addition to your library. Or, if you have not visited, this book provides the perfect impetus.

Average customer rating:

Almost like being there!
First Class Illustrative Essay - Overly Technical Commentary
A Comprehensive History Of The Khmer Empire
Angkor : Cities and Temples

Angkor (River Books)
Claude Jacques
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Religious | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0500974586

Customer Reviews:

Almost like being there!.......2002-10-06

I had always wanted to visit the Angkor temples.And I was looking for some good books on Angkor. When I saw this book, I immediately bought it inspite of its price. The text is crisp and illuminating. And the photographs are the best I have seen of Angkor. They are so real and dramatic that you feel that you are right there. The only drawback with this book is its size. It is mammoth, making it a reference guide rather than a guide you can bring with you on your travel to Angkor. Nevertheless, only in this book has justice been done to the magnificent temples of Angkor. If there is only one book you buy this year, make it this one.

First Class Illustrative Essay - Overly Technical Commentary.......2002-08-28

Angkor: Cities and Temples by Claude Jacques, et al undoubtedly presents one of the most enchanting illustrative descriptions of Khmer architectural design and history I've ever seen. The photos are crisp and clean and the printing quality is first class. However, the text, translated from French, is overly technical and lacks a sense of cohesiveness, which would have otherwise made it easier to percieve the "big picture" concerning the period of Angkor.

A Comprehensive History Of The Khmer Empire.......2001-07-05

Angkor Cities And Temples is perhaps one of the most beautiful books I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Everything about it beckons the reader to remain absorbed in its pages. The text by Claude Jacques is erudite, well-written, and very well translated. The photography by Michael Freeman is astonishingly good. Not only by virtue of his technical skills, which are considerable, but because he handles the art and architecture of the monuments with a tremendous sensitivity to detail and a glorious feel for the way in which light interacts dramatically with stone. Together, the flowing text and luminous colour images provide a wondrous exposure to an ancient world of great sophistication and profound aesthetic development.

Angkor : Cities and Temples.......2000-08-05

This is a sumptuous history of the ancient Khmer Temples in and around Cambodia.

The history is clear the explanations are concise and the photos are stunning. Coming near to doing justice of these magnificant temples.

Book Description

Magnum photographer Steve McCurry has beautifully and evocatively photographed the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, among the world's most impressive monuments. Over one hundred of his images of the site are collected in this stunning book, which documents a magical world of carved gods, weathered masonry, tangled vegetation and orange-robed monks. Angkor was the capital of the Khmer rulers from the end of the ninth century until the mid-fifteenth. Each built a state temple at the capital, surrounded by walls, moats and embankments laid out in accordance with cosmological precepts. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the temples attract tourists, archaeologists and art historians, and are also a pilgrimage destination for Buddhist monks. McCurry first visited Angkor on assignment for National Geographic magazine, for whom he has photographed all over the world. He has made many return visits, capturing a sublime portrait of the buildings, sculpture and people of Angkor. Winner of numerous

honours, including first prize in the World Press awards and the Robert Capa Gold Medal, McCurry has previously published Portraits and South Southeast (both with Phaidon).

The photographs are accompanied by an informative introduction on the history and meaning of Angkor by John Guy, a leading authority on the cultural history of Southeast Asia. Guy is curator of Indian and Southeast Asian sculpture at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and Consultant to UNESCO on historical monuments in Southeast Asia.

Customer Reviews:

Sober, yet breathtaking.......2007-05-18

Among the best available pictures of the temples of Angkor. Without gimmicks or tricks, or photoshopping, as the temples of the Khmer have stood for 12 centuries. The book is essentially a folio of photographs, and should be complemented by other works on the history of Angkor by Groslier, Jacques, Chandler and Glaize.

an excellent photographic work.......2003-10-01

Sactuary,the Temples of Angkor is an excellent photographic book. Steve McCurry has captured the most breathtaking shots of Angkor Wat and many other great pictures surounding the Angkor site. I really like the book and earlier this year i have added this book to my collection. In addition i like to point out a little mistake of this book particularly not by Steve McCurry himself but rather by the author of the introduction of the book. Mr. John Guy. As he writes 'Nak Pa',it is the belief of ancestral worship the local Khmer people practiced before Angkor era and still do today. This pratice is recognised today in Cambodia as 'Nak Ta' not 'Nak Pa'. So instead of 'Pa' is 'Ta'. 'Ta' is a word in Khmer also used to address your father's father which is your granfather. The word 'Nak' means a 'person'. So 'Nak-ta' clearly means an ancestor person, its a combination of the two words Nak and Ta. The word 'Pa' has no meaning in Khmer. However 'Pa' is used from the colonial period to call a father. It is usually used by high class people when french is introduced to Cambodia, mainly the ones who worked for the government. So clearly it is an European word for father. The word for father in Khmer is something else. But otherwise it is a fantastic book to buy for displaying on your coffee table as part of your collection.

mr. hyamdara.......2003-10-01

Masterpiece.......2003-08-16

Steve McCurry has a deep and abiding respect for his subjects and this book reflects the passion he has for peoples around the world.
WELL DONE, Mr. McCurry!

Breathtaking shots from a master photographer.......2003-03-18

Having recently returned from a trip to southeast Asia, and having the once in a life time opportunity to explore the Angkor ruins near Siem Reap, Steve McCurry's magnificent photos brought back immediately the intense experiences I had from my short visit. The reader will be amazed at some of these images and like me will ask, "how on earth did he pull off a shot like that?" Unlike other books on Angkor, the photographer focuses mostly on the people, in particular the monks and nuns, who reside near these beautiful ruins. I found the quality of the paper and the picture reproduction excellent. The only drawback is the small format of the book, and the lack of explanations of the photos. This is a must book for those who enjoy looking at beautiful photographs, or for those interested in southeast Asia.

Adoration and Glory: The Golden Age of Khmer Art

Average customer rating:

Adoration and Glory: The Golden Age of Khmer Art
Emma C. Bunker , and Douglas Latchford
Manufacturer: Art Media Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Art & Architecture of Cambodia (World of Art)

ASIN: 1588860701

Average customer rating:

History with grace
A beautifully presented picturebook story
A wonderful book on many levels
A wonderful childrens book that tugs at the heartstrings
Shall we dance?

Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin
Michelle Lord
Manufacturer: Lee & Low Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1584302488

Customer Reviews:

History with grace.......2007-01-09

With two Cambodian-born children, this book is a treasured addition to our library. Beautifully told and illustrated, its graceful imagery draws children into the story, and with the muliple readings demanded soon has them practicing the hand poses and dreaming of dance.

My kids will be reading this for years, and I now give this as a gift for all new baby girls ... and Khmer boys, as well.

A beautifully presented picturebook story.......2006-07-14

Little Sap And Monsieur Rodin combines Michelle Lord's engaging text with impressive illustrations by Felicia Hoshino to tell the remarkable story of a young woman who in the year 1906 was a member of the dance troupe from the Royal Palace in Cambodia when they all made a trip to the beautiful city of Paris. Carrying young readers through Little Sap's encounter with the famous French artist, Augustine Rodin, Little Sap And Monsieur Rodin follows the painter and sculptor's interest with the classic beauty of Cambodian dance in general, and the dancing girl Little Sap in particular. A beautifully presented picturebook story, Little Sap And Monsieur Rodin will delight young readers and prove a popular addition to school and/or community library picturebook collections.

A wonderful book on many levels.......2006-06-28

Young girls especially will be able to identify with Little Sap as she starts her first dance class, all awkward and clumsy compared with the more experienced girls in the room. But as Little Sap grows more comfortable dancing, the reader grows more comfortable in the world of early 20th century Cambodia. And then the reader feels the same thrill Little Sap does when her dance group boards a huge ocean liner -- bringing along costumes, props, and even elephants! -- and sails for France.

The story is like a magical time machine that sends us back to a time when the world was much larger than it is today and foreign cultures were much more exotic. Cambodia of a century ago was a very artistic society, and the illustrations are superb in communicating the details of the clothing, dance, music, and architecture of the period. Together, the words and pictures convey a genuine sense of being there and sharing in the experiences of Little Sap.

A wonderful childrens book that tugs at the heartstrings.......2006-06-13

A truly delightful childrens book about a young cambodian girl who leaves her family and her village to become a dancer for the princess's royal dance troupe so that her family can have a better life. Along the way, she learns hard work and self worth. I found this to be an inspiring and touching story with a unique cultural angle not normally seen in childrens books.
The bright and colorful drawings bring the story to life.

I highly recommend this book! An exceptional book from a first time author that I hope publishes many more in the years to come.

Shall we dance?.......2006-03-15

They say not to judge a book by its cover. Obviously this rule is true some of the time. Some of the time, however, the cover is EXACTLY what you need to see in order to judge a book correctly. How many times have you seen a cheaply produced cover on a children's picture book also to find the story inside laughably simplistic? More than once, I'd wager. By and large, however, I do not seek out books based on what their covers look like. Then I took a gander at "Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin" and my little heart went pitter-pat. Oh how pretty. We've all seen those picture books that show a small child getting to know some great artistic figure. There was "Beethoven Lives Upstairs", and "Degas and the Little Dancer" (which bears no small resemblance to this book), and the truly disturbing "Picasso and the Girl With the Ponytail". What drew me to "Little Sap" however was partly its content. I don't know how many Cambodian picture books you can recite off the top of your head, but my count is pretty low. Add to that the fact that the book talks about Rodin (oddly ignored by picture books, by and large) and you've got yourself the makings of something particularly good.

The royal dance troupe of Cambodia is recruiting new members from a number of girls around the country. Little Sap is from a small village, but despite her dirty nails and awkward balance the child wins a place on the court's troupe. That means unceasing practice and training. Over the years she gains confidence and poise and is allowed to go to France with the troupe to perform abroad. While there they attract the attention of the great artist Auguste Rodin. Drawn to the dancers (no pun intended), Rodin spends much of his time in the villa where they stay, sketching their moves. Little Sap in particular gets his attention and by the end of their stay in France he purchases a pair of fancy French shoes and gives her a sketch of herself. The back of the book includes an Author's Note that describes the facts behind the story and what is and isn't true.

Rendered in ink, watercolor, acrylic, and paper collage the illustrations done by first-time picture book artist Felicia Hoshino are quite pleasant. Hoshino's girls wear silk sampot, or pantaloons, which let the girls look as if they're wearing slightly baggy pants all the time. This accurate detail has a dual purpose. On the one hand it means that the book is historically and culturally appropriate. On the other, it means that the girls in this book look particularly familiar to today's jean-shod young lasses. The style Hoshino uses here tends towards odd proportions in characters. Feet tend to be particularly small and heads particularly large. Just the same, this technique never strikes the reader as out of place. It's simply a different style.

Lord is careful to note at the back of her book that Little Sap's story is, for the most part, made up. There are elements to it, however, that were true. One thing I noticed in a photograph displayed of Rodin watching a dancer was that the performer is wearing a costume far more elaborate than any pictured in the book. During the professional dance of Robam Makaw the costumes are made evident, but we never get a scene similar to the one in the photo. One has to wonder why this is. Why, for example, did artist Felicia Hoshino choose to include plenty of scenes where the girls dance for Rodin, but not one where they are dressed up? Still, there was much to enjoy in this book. I was particularly pleased that Lord thought to include some of the hand motions mastered for the purpose of the dance. And though there isn't an official Bibliography at the back, a quick gander at the publication page shows the books, videos, and websites that Lord and Hoshino owe their aid to.

There are plenty of child-influences-great-artist type books out there, but by and large they are of white children with white artists. You'll still have the white artist in this book, but at least there's a bit of multiculturalism going on as well. You may be able to find Cambodian folktales in your local library, but not many will be stories based on real life occurrences involving the Khmer empire. A lovely little book and a nice story to boot.

Average customer rating:

A Beautiful Photo Mosaic - Don't listen to previous review.
Not worth your money !!

Angkor

Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Southeast Asia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1590300033
Release Date: 2002-10-29

Book Description

The great temple complex of Angkor Wat, the architectural gem of the Khmer dynasty, was built between the ninth and fifteenth centuries. It rises 200 feet from the Cambodian jungle floor like a gigantic mandala, its walls adorned throughout with scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and legends of the god Vishnu and his incarnation, Krishna, as well as with Buddhist imagery. Jean-Pierre Grandjean's miniature photo essay conveys the atmosphere of the temple complex in all its ruined beauty, with special attention to its art and architecture.

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Photo Mosaic - Don't listen to previous review........2005-05-18

I completely disagree with the other reviewer's one star rating. These pictures, despite the small size of the book, are high resolution, inspirational, moody, and they do capture the essence of Angkor and this holy city's decaying magnificence. Not everyone can make it to Angkor and this book is a great armchair look at the place. Photographs cover from field shots to up close and detailed stonework shots. Different periods are detailed, from inception to Vishna to Buddhism and current worship.

So, I say give the photographer & editor(s) credit where credit is due! It's hard to capture the mystery and beauty of this 100 square mile place in only 80 pages but, in keeping with the quality of most Shambala publications, they pulled it off. For the small price, you won't regret your purchase.

Not worth your money !!.......2003-04-14

Very deceiving!! I regret of ordering this book. Although it is hardcover, but the pocket-size 4 X 6 inch book is very thin (about 80 pages). It has just one page of Cambodia history introduction and the rest are series of photos. There are no writing or description of which monuments that the photos pertaining to. They are just series of 4 X 6 inch photograph!! --- it is unbelievable how this became a book !! If you come to Cambodia yourself and take more than 80 pictures by yourself, you can do a lot better job than this book-- Trust me, you'll regret of buying this.

Art & Architecture of Cambodia (World of Art)

Average customer rating:

Art & Architecture of Cambodia (World of Art)
Perfect for travelling
A little disappointing

Art & Architecture of Cambodia (World of Art)
Helen Ibbitson Jessup
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 050020375X

Book Description

An essential, authoritative, and up-to-date introduction to the art of Cambodia, and a vivid glimpse into a world that continues to challenge travelers.

Legendary tales of kings and princes, wars, conquests, and unions with gods and goddesses—all these are portrayed in the spectacular friezes, reliefs, and stone carvings for which Cambodia has become justly renowned. The enormous variety of styles and influences, both sacred and secular, that are expressed in Cambodian art make this one of the most surprising and rewarding of all Southeast Asian cultures.

Our understanding of the Khmers, whose kingdom dates back to early in the first millennium, is drawn from written Chinese records, myths recorded in Sanskrit, and the evidence revealed by research and exploration that continues to the present day. The profound and lasting influence of India on Khmer culture is evident in Cambodia's religious architecture, principally Hindu and Buddhist temples; each faith is reflected in work of remarkable vigor and exceptional grace and beauty.

French archaeologists in the nineteenth century reopened the doors onto this world. Still more remarkable, perhaps, is how much has survived through generations of determined looting and political conflict. These persistent features of Cambodia's history make the richness and fragility of its architectural and artistic legacy strikingly apparent. World-famous sites, such as Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear, breathtaking monuments in their own right, have tended to overshadow a wealth of lesser-known buildings and complexes buried deep in the jungle.

Many remarkable photographs are published here for the first time, of both famous sites and those that have, until now, been almost impossible to see, for both geographical and political reasons. 180 illustrations, 85 in color.

Customer Reviews:

Art & Architecture of Cambodia (World of Art) .......2006-11-22

It gives you a vague idea of the Cambodian Art & Arquitecture.

Perfect for travelling.......2005-10-30

There are some table top books on Khmer art available which are great, but this publication is the only _compact_ book on Khmer art available which gives a stringent, chronological and readable introduction into the history of Khmer art.

Even the best guide (IMHO of course) to Angkor by Michael Freeman and Claude Jacques: "Ancient Angkor" [River Books *2003*, ISBN 9748225275, not listed at Amazon] which of course concentrates on the various temples in Ankor can be confusing concerning the time line and development of Khmer art.

Moreover, Ibbitson Jessup choose many fine examples of Khmer art today on display in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Which means, if you read the book before travelling you will be able to see the original sculptures later in Cambodia, or even better to read some sections a second time in front of the art works. This will give you a much deeper understanding of everything you will see in Angkor.

This compact and readable introduction to Khmer Art this is IMHO the best travel companion available at the moment and makes a perfect duo with the guide by Freeman/Jaques.

A little disappointing.......2004-08-01

Not up to T&H's usual standard in terms of production - binding not great (refers to pbk edition), printing of the images below current expected standards. But none of that can be blamed on Jessup - and these faults are the downside of a book which is very cheap for what you get. However, the text is another matter - by no means authoritative as the blurb proclaims - in particular, the first chapter is best left totally unread because of the errors - indicative of which is the howler on page 8 which states that Thai is a Mon-Khmer language - even the most sleepy editor should have spotted that one - unfortunately not the worst example - just the first that jumped out. BUT not all is bad - the selection of images is good and there will be at least some new to people who have an interest in this field, the bibliography has most of the important references and generally the documentation is very good. There are good examples of most of the important aspects of Cambodian art and architecture. If you want a book with a reasonable overview of art and architecture (but not of the Cambodian background) and you don't mind a small format for the photographs, then this is it.

Average customer rating:

Angkor: A Tour of the Monuments
Thierry Zephir , and Luca Invernizzi
Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Historic Preservation | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Architectural | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Southeast | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 981406873X

The Treasures of Angkor: Cultural Travel Guide (Rizzoli Art Guide)

Average customer rating:

The Treasures of Angkor: Cultural Travel Guide (Rizzoli Art Guide)
Marilia Albanese
Manufacturer: White Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Ancient & Classical | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 885440117X
Release Date: 2006-06-20

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.

Average customer rating:

angkor wat time, space and kingship
A Detailed Interpretation of Angkor Wat
Narrowly focused but compelling analysis of the great temple
Not Recommended for the Traveler
Great book if you ALREADY know a lot about the Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat: Time, Space, and Kingship
Eleanor Mannikka
Manufacturer: University of Hawaii Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Byzantine | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cambodia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Southeast Asia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places)

ASIN: 0824823532

Customer Reviews:

angkor wat time, space and kingship.......2004-09-28

It seem likes some viewers do not appreciated this book. For me this book is very interesting.It is the book of the book to completed what all about angkor mysteries.I strong;y recommended for the academic recherche.

A Detailed Interpretation of Angkor Wat.......2003-06-15

Eleanor Mannikka's grand idea is that the symbolism of Angkor Wat can be understood by interpreting the most significant measurements on the temple as references to Cambodian astronomical, calendrical, and religious concepts. Thus, for example, she identifies some distances, on the entrance bridge and outer enclosure, as referring to the Four Ages (yugas) of Hindu cosmology. The Churning of the Sea of Milk, at the Western Entrance, symbolizes the annual orbital oscillations of the sun and moon between summer and winter solstices. The third enclosure records, in its dimensions, some important events of Suryavarman's reign, and indicates that the king was symbolically bringing a new "golden age" to mankind. The upper levels of the temple represent Mt. Meru, the home of the gods and especially of Vishnu, who is the supreme deity in this temple. The measurements in this part of the temple include a mandala of the gods with lunar and solar astronomical cycles.

In addition to its architectural symbolism, the temple's measurements also provide a great deal of information about the third gallery reliefs, and even help identify which gods would be represented by the (now absent!) statues that were set up in various locations in the temple.

Mannika's book will be accessible to most interested readers, especially now that it has been issued in softcover. While the book does contain (necessarily!) a lot of long and involved calculations, it is possible for the reader to skip over the numerical details and still get a good sense of the author's interpretations and conclusions.

Narrowly focused but compelling analysis of the great temple.......2001-10-18

Based on a University of Michigan doctoral dissertation, this book provides an astonomical/numerological interpretation of the awe-inspiring temple of Angkor Wat. I would love to have it with me at the temple on an equinox or solstice (though it is a little heavy to carry, and Cambodia is always hot). It has splendid photographs and architectural drawings and makes a convincing case that components of the temple were aligned with the sun and based on measurements and iterations of the sacred numbers of 32 and 12.

Mannikka has interesting things to say about the cult of the devarâja (usually translated as god-king), Sûryavarman II in particular (she believes that the unit of measurement for the temple was the distance between his elbow and outstretched fingertip: 43545 m.

The book is essential for those interested in the architecture. Although well-written, it is dauntingly technical.

Not Recommended for the Traveler.......2001-03-31

Although the book is well written and shows detailed academic insight into Angkor, it offers little for those interested in a general overview of the temples and their history.

I have also purchased Angkor by Claude Jacques. In terms of preparing for my upcoming trip, I've found this book to be far more beneficial.

Great book if you ALREADY know a lot about the Angkor Wat........1999-09-06

This is a great book if you've already studied the Angkor Wat. If you haven't, there's too much detail to absorb. I think the book is brilliant, but it's not the appropriate guide for the first-time student of Angkor.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books