History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Excellent course textbook
Great Help
A Cartographer's View of the World

Map Use & Analysis
John Campbell
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Atlases | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

World | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

Cartography | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Reference | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: The Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo Updated for ArcGIS 9 (Getting to Know series)
Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth Resource Perspective (2nd Edition) (Prentice Hall Series in Geographic Information Science)
How to Lie with Maps (2nd Edition)
Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation
Geographic Information Systems and Science

ASIN: 0073037486

Book Description

This book is designed to serve as an introduction to the fascinating world of maps. It explains how to use maps to obtain information about a wide variety of topics. Throughout the book, maps are viewed in a broad framework. Thus, the discussion includes mental maps, aerial photographs, remotely sensed images, computer-assisted cartography, and geographical information systems, in addition to traditional printed maps. The writing style is neither formalistic nor casual, with an emphasis on clarity of explanation. The discussions assume that the reader has no specific prior knowledge of the topic, so that even novice map users can understand and use the information and techniques presented.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent course textbook.......2003-03-24

I received a copy of this book from the publisher when I was teaching a university course on cartography. The textbook for the semester had already been selected, so I used this book originally as a second resource while preparing lectures. By the end of the semester, I found myself using this book as the primary source for topics and explanations and suggested it be used in future semesters.

This book explains concepts such as projections and coordinate systems in ways that are easy to understand, particularly for new students. The explanations are thorough without bogging down in details. The figures are large, many take up a full page. They are helpful, relevant, and excellently reproduced. The chapters on terrain representation, contours, and topographic features are exceptionally good (there are almost 40 examples of terrain representation) The remote sensing and GIS chapters are brief and introductory, but those are topics best left for other books.

I was a little skeptical when I first saw this book, since it appeared to be a somewhat thin, and we were using Robinson's book, which is basically a standard. But, I would recommend this to any map student, teacher, or user. It packs a lot of information in its pages. I still use it as a reference (...).

Great Help.......2001-03-22

If I were stuck on a deserted Island like Tom Hanks in Cast Away, and I could only have one book, it would be this one. It would help me to get off the island and determine my global positioning! Lots of help.

A Cartographer's View of the World.......2000-10-02

When you've been working in a field for 30 years it's really difficult to drag yourself backwards and review data you already know, so when I signed up for a GPS (Global Positioning Sattelite) software course I looked at "Map Use & Analysis" by John Campbell as something I could just skip over, but since it was required reading I finally got it out. I was really pleased with the depth of material and the extremely clear explanations of all those mystifying cartography words. Anyone who has no idea about mapping or is a begining student will be able to use this book. The format is excellent with terms higligted and the index and dictionary are well coordinated. I feel that this book is such an excellent reference that I am buying a copy for myself. The only negative thing I have to say is that the illustrations, which are plentiful seem to wander several pages ahead of text, but they are carefully numbered and correspond exactly to the descriptions. Well done! Les L. Johnson

Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, 4th Edition

Average customer rating:

Absolutly One of the BEST!!
One of the best books in RS
A good technical overview of RS
Drawn out, very difficult to follow

Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, 4th Edition
Thomas M. Lillesand , and Ralph W. Kiefer
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Geography | Social Sciences | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

Earth Sciences | Sciences | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

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

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Remote Sensing of the Environment: An Earth Resource Perspective (2nd Edition) (Prentice Hall Series in Geographic Information Science)
Introductory Digital Image Processing, Third Edition (Prentice Hall Series in Geographic Information Science)
Getting to Know ArcObjects (With CD-ROM)
Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis: An Introduction
Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization, Second Edition

ASIN: 0471255157

Book Description

The image to the right shows a volcanic landscape in central Africa, including parts of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire). This image was obtained from the SIR-C multi-wavelength radar remote sensing system, operated on the space shuttle Endeavor in 1994. SIR-C monitors the earth's surface using wave-lengths of energy that are much longer than the visible light seen by the human eye; thus, the hues in this "false color" radar image have little to no relationship to what would be seen in ordinary visible light. The volcano at top center of the image is Karisimba, 4500 m high. The green patch on the lower slopes of Karisimba volcano, to the right of its peak, is an area of bamboo forest-one of the world's few remaining habitats for mountain gorillas. Only some 600-700 mountain gorillas still remain on earth. Because the SIR-C radar is virtually unaffected by weather conditions, it is an ideal tool for capturing images over the cloudy and misty volcanic areas where mountain gorillas live. Nyiragongo volcano (3465 m elevation) dominates the lower portion of the image some of the lava flows that surround it have a distinctive purple appearance in this image. As shown here, remote sensing in wavelengths of energy outside the range of visible light can often reveal aspects of our environment that complement what can be detected by the unaided eye. (This image covers a 24 km by 60 km area.) The global image (inset, below) is a composite view of vegetation cover on land and chlorophyll concentration in the oceans. This image was derived from data collected by the SeaWiFS global ocean color monitoring mission. Wide field-of-view sensors such as SeaWiFS permit continuous, long-term monitoring of the environment on a global scale, providing an important contribution to our understanding of the earth system as a single, integrated whole.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutly One of the BEST!!.......2004-04-16

This book is one of the best on the market on Image Interpretation. After taking a class and the instructor had a different book (which was poorly written book) I bought this book. I found it interesting and easy to use, any math was explained step by step! I cant wait to get the 5th edition! This is a must for any person who is interested in this topic or is working in the field.

One of the best books in RS.......2000-10-12

One of the best text books in Remote Sensing: comprehensive, complete. I have the 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions. Will wait to the 4th edition in paperback.

A good technical overview of RS.......1998-02-12

The text is a comprehensive introduction to RS that covers the science from physical basis to sensors and applications. It is not a HOW-TO-DO-IT book as opposed to a complete textbooks for students in this area who need good background of the science and its application. We use it as a good textbook for solid foundation prior to more practical texts on HOW-TO-DO-IT.

Drawn out, very difficult to follow.......1996-05-22

Imagine a textbook without a glossary of terms. A book thatseems to use fancy nomenclature only as a tool to boostthe authors egos. Having strained through this text only by shear interest in Remote, I would advise any academic to look towards the piles of other more appropriatly constructed textbooks concerned with remote. As to the publishers claim that it also concerns itself with GIS applications, yes, but in an obscure and unfriendly manner. Do not consider this book as a textbook choice. It only serves to discredit the noble and forthright advances of a vital technology.

Quantitative Seismic Interpretation: Applying Rock Physics Tools to Reduce Interpretation Risk

Average customer rating:

Quantitative Seismic Interpretation: Applying Rock Physics Tools to Reduce Interpretation Risk
Per Avseth , Tapan Mukerji , and Gary Mavko
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Geophysics | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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

The Rock Physics Handbook: Tools for Seismic Analysis of Porous Media
Stratigraphic reservoir characterization for petroleum geologists, geophysicists, and engineers, Volume 6 (Handbook of Petroleum Exploration and Production)
Seismic Stratigraphy, Basin Analysis and Reservoir Characterisation, Volume 37 (Handbook of Geophysical Exploration: Seismic Exploration)
Basin Analysis: Principles and Applications
3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation

ASIN: 0521816017

Book Description

Demonstrating how rock physics can be applied to predict reservoir parameters, such as lithologies and pore fluids, from seismically derived attributes, this volume provides an integrated methodology and practical tools for quantitative interpretation, uncertainty assessment, and characterization of subsurface reservoirs. Including problem sets and a case-study for which seismic and well-log data and Matlab codes are provided on the Internet (http://publishing.cambridge.org/resources/0521816017), the book is intended for students of petroleum geoscience as well as professionals in the field.

The Interpretation of Ordinary Landscapes: Geographical Essays

Average customer rating:

The Interpretation of Ordinary Landscapes: Geographical Essays
Donald W. Meinig
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Human Geography | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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

Understanding Ordinary Landscapes
A Sense of Place, a Sense of Time
Discovering the Vernacular Landscape
Space and Place: The Perspective of Experience
Everyday America: Cultural Landscape Studies after J. B. Jackson

ASIN: 0195025369

Tolkien and the Invention of Myth: A Reader

Average customer rating:

Wide-ranging survey

Tolkien and the Invention of Myth: A Reader

Manufacturer: University Press of Kentucky
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

History & Criticism | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien's World
Understanding The Lord of the Rings: The Best of Tolkien Criticism
Perilous Realms: Celtic And Norse in Tolkien's Middle-Earth
Interrupted Music: The Making Of Tolkien's Mythology
The Children of Húrin

ASIN: 0813123011

Book Description

Unlike many of his contemporaries, J.R.R. Tolkien strongly believed that mythology is neither allegory nor historical fact but was instead "a true secondary world born out of language, to be experienced, not excavated." In Tolkien and the Invention of Myth, a collection of eighteen new and classic essays, Jane Chance and established and emerging Tolkien scholars explore the profound influence of late classical and medieval mythologies—ancient Greek, classical and medieval Latin, Old Norse, Old English, and Finnish. Tolkien used writings such as these as he shaped his own mythology in The Silmarillion and the literary masterpiece The Lord of the Rings.

Exploring the origins of Tolkien's mythological influences, these essays illuminate the crucial episodes, characters, style, language, and concepts central to Tolkien's complex worlds. The authors probe how such transformations of language and mythology take place in thematic and symbolic form in the novels. They then relate these episodes to Tolkien's understanding of society, culture, history, heritage, tradition, nature, heroism, and love.

Among the contributors are well-known scholars Marjorie J. Burns, Michael D.C. Drout, Verlyn Flieger, David Lyle Jeffrey, Tom Shippey, and Richard C. West, whose essays examine Tolkien's literary aesthetic in folklore, his love of philology (his own and medieval), and the philosophical and religious underpinnings of his narratives. The four sections of the book investigate his adaptation of late classical and medieval legends and histories as well as northern European mythological sources.

A well-rounded and essential reader for any Tolkien lover, Tolkien and the Invention of Myth also includes several classic essays on the author's mythmaking. No other collection attempts to identify the various medieval mythologies woven into the tapestry of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion and to examine how Tolkien rediscovered and reinvented tales of larger-than-life gods and heroes of northern myths.

Customer Reviews:

Wide-ranging survey.......2004-09-22

A solid collection of articles on various sub-topics of Tolkien's relations with myth, particularly his sources and his aim of creating a mythology. There are several very good essays on the Finnish _Kalevala_ as an influence. Tom Shippey's essay on the _Edda_ and _Kalevala_ is one of his best, and a fine example of his typical clarity of style. Several of the reprinted articles, notably Catherine Madsen's essay on natural religion and Kathleen Dubs' on Boethian philosophy, are quite thought-provoking. Andrew Lazo's essay on the Kolbitar, precursor to the Inklings, is repetitive in sections but includes a good deal of very interesting material. Also noteworthy are the papers on oaths and oath-breaking by John Holmes and on Beowulf by Alexandra Bolitineanu. All in all, a useful collection.

Geoarchaeology: The Earth-Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Great read but could use more photos to illustrate concepts
The "other" five stars book on Geoarchaeology
Geoarchaeology: The Earth Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation

Geoarchaeology: The Earth-Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation, Second Edition
George (Rip) Rapp , and Christopher L. Hill
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology
Principles of Geoarchaeology: A North American Perspective
Environmental Archaeology: Principles and Practice
Statistics for Archaeologists: A Common Sense Approach (Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology)
Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology)

ASIN: 0300109660

Book Description

An indispensable book for all professionals and students interested in the field of geoarchaeology, including those with limited earth-science experience, this new edition of Geoarchaeology builds on the success and innovation of the first edition and includes updates, new concepts and examples, an enhanced bibliography, and many new illustrations. The second edition begins by considering the history and theory of geoarchaeology. Rapp and Hill then move to discussions of soils and environmental interpretations; initial context and site formation; methods of discovery and spatial analyses; estimating time; paleoenvironments, landscapes, and the human past; identifying, analyzing, and sourcing raw materials; and construction, destruction, and conservation of sites and materials.
"[This book] covers a wide range of topics . . . with clarity and balance. . . . [The] chapters are all well written and have concise introductory discussions that are not too detailed and not too brief. . . . Beautifully produced."—Michael Waters, Geoarchaeology: An International Journal (on the first edition)

Customer Reviews:

Great read but could use more photos to illustrate concepts.......2007-04-24

This is a superb volume. It`s interesting to read, well organized, gives a broad overview of the field, and presents illustrations of how geologists are able to contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the human past.

The authors cover a broad range of subjects, including the development of the consiliance (Wilson would be proud) between archaeology and geology, that is between what might be seen as basically a "social science" and a so-called "hard science." They discuss some of the background of both disciplines, which really arose as official fields of endeavor in the 19th century, although both have significant roots in the 17th and 18th centuries. (Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century comes to mind as do Steno and Hutton).

The subject of petrology---igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic---and how it contributes to an understanding of the stratigraphy of a site is very informative. The particular character of the paleoenvironment that encouraged humans to occupy a site in the first place is also very illuminating. The authors also point out the contributions of paleoclimatology, palynology, zooarchaology, fluvial systems, and other types of earth history studies that help give the reader a clearer understanding of the pre-historic and ancient historic worlds.

What I found particularly interesting was their discussions of the effects of upstream erosive processes on various segments of rivers, since these are still actions in force today. The human effects on terrain become very obvious here. While the data were drawn mostly from the rivers in the United Kingdom, some material on German and French rivers and on the US Mississippi are also included. The effects of the earthquakes of 1812-1813 in New Madrid, Missouri on the Mississippi were especially amazing. (An interesting discussion of this particular event is found in When the Mississippi Ran Backwards : Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes.

Information on conservation of sites provides a much clearer understanding of the problems involved in preserving a site once it has been found and its material remains exhumed. They discuss water-logged material, bog material, and modern day environmental effects on site preservation. A description of the leaning tower of Pisa and its issues was especially illustrative, since it reveals the effects of substrate on ancient buildings. Their presentation of geological data on Maya temples and the karstic substrate on which they are built made more sense of their abandonment than many other theories. The effect of site choice without an adequate understanding the effects of substrate are particularly obvious in their mention of a modern building in Mexico which has sunk several feet because of the "built" land underlying it.

Like the book Alluvial Geoarchaeology: Floodplain Archaeology and Environmental Change (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology), which I also read and reviewed, this one relies heavily on schematic illustrations to clarify concepts. While these put the basic ideas across, they do not really provide a very clear understanding of what the worker is likely to find in the field. Here too, I would suggest more photos of sites that illustrate what is being discussed, so that beginning geoarchaeologist or archaeologist has a better handle on what to expect. Seismic features, discontinuities, unconformitities, fining up and fining down, the different soil horizons and the types found in different climates need more than a diagram for the novice to really grasp some of these features as they are commonly seen in the field. I suspect a field trip with this in mind would be very useful.

I would recommend this book to any beginning earth history, archeology, or basic geology class, certainly as a reading list entry. Brown's book is a more depthy discussion specifically of fluvial systems and is a little more difficult to stick to, but since many sites, especially prehistoric sites, are buried by river deposition and revealed by aggradation, an understanding of the behavior of rivers and their effect on archaeological sites and materials is especially useful. I would suggest that the two books be read together. Certainly they reinforce and augment one another.

A great read, but it could have used more photos.

The "other" five stars book on Geoarchaeology.......2006-10-20

I have previously reviewed the book "Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology" by Goldberg and Macphail and I've given it 5 stars. This one is anoother five-stars book on geoarchaeology, especially since this second edition has been considerably expanded by about 80 pages.

The two books are both excelent, but they possess diferent strenghts: Goldberg&Macphail's book relies heavily on landscapes, sediments, soils, stratigraphy, soil chemistry and especially soil micromorphology; it also is excelent due to coverage of field and laboratory methods.

Although this focus is excelent (the book covers these topics extensively) it lets out a lot of other topics; for example, environmental studies in a archaeological context are left out (the authors consider it a separate field of study done by a separate team), and so are Archaeometric studies which the authors also consider to be out of the field of Geoarchaeology (they dedicate a chapter to some archaeometric studies, but the coverage is not only incomplete but the information is also very sparse).

On the other hand, Rapp's book, although beying relatively brief in coverage of the multiple topics does cover everything that the geosciences can contribute to Archaeology, from the same topics covered by Goldberg&Macphail's book, to environmental studies and Archaeometry (like, for example, provenance studies involving trace-element patterns and stable isotopes, etc). Rapp's book is by far the most complete in terms of coverage (especially this second edition) but it is also the most brief and succint; Goldberg&Macphail's book does not cover all the ground Rapp's book covers and leaves a lot out, but on the other side it its coverage of the featured topics is much more comprehensive.

All in all, two execelent books in Geoarchaeology that deserve to be each in the 5 stars pantheon; nevertheless you should be aware of the different strenghts of each one when you make your choice. If you're like me, you'll buy both.

Geoarchaeology: The Earth Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation.......2006-03-20

Excellent guide to geoarchaeological interpretation and processes. A must have for beginners and practisioners of archaeology.

Average customer rating:

3-D Seismic Interpretation
M. Bacon , R. Simm , and T. Redshaw
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Geophysics | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Prospecting & Mining | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Seismology | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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

Elements of 3-D Seismology
3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation
Seismic Stratigraphy, Basin Analysis and Reservoir Characterisation, Volume 37 (Handbook of Geophysical Exploration: Seismic Exploration)
Quantitative Seismic Interpretation: Applying Rock Physics Tools to Reduce Interpretation Risk
Elements of Petroleum Geology, Second Edition

ASIN: 0521792037

Book Description

This book introduces geophysicists and geologists to the technique of interpreting 3-D seismic data. The topics it covers include basic structural interpretation and map-making; the use of 3-D visualization methods; interpretation of seismic amplitudes; the generation and use of AVO and acoustic impedance datasets; and time-lapse seismic mapping. Written by professional geophysicists with many years of working experience in the oil industry, the book will be indispensable for graduate students, researchers, and new entrants into the petroleum industry.

The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth for Dummies

Average customer rating:

A Special Book for Christians and Tolkien Fans
Good with Tolkien's Details, but Not with Tolkien's Themes
Lots of fun information
bleh x 5!
Terrible, Full of Errors

The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth for Dummies
Greg, PhD Harvey
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science Fiction & Fantasy | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

For Dummies | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

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

Literature & Fiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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

The Atlas of Middle-Earth (Revised Edition)
The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth
The Magical Worlds of Lord of the Rings: The Amazing Myths, Legends and Facts Behind the Masterpiece
The Essential J.R.R. Tolkien Sourcebook: A Fan's Guide to Middle-earth and Beyond
Hobbits, Elves, and Wizards: Exploring the Wonders and Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings"

ASIN: 0764541862

Book Description

J.R.R. Tolkien's novels of Middle-earth – The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Silmarillian – have become some of the most famous, and most beloved, literary works of the twentieth century. And the Lord of the Rings films by director Peter Jackson have re-ignited interest in Tolkien and his works, as well as introduced his stories to a new generation of fans.

Even if you've never read the novels and have only seen the films, you know that the world of Middle-earth is a complicated one. Tolkien took great care in representing this world, from creating new languages to including very particular cultural details that add to the richness of the world's fabric. Many other books have been written about Tolkien and his works, but none have come close to providing the kind of reference needed to comprehend the world of Middle-earth. That's what veteran Dummies author and unabashed Tolkien fan Greg Harvey attempts to do in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies.

As the author says in his introduction to the book, this is not an encyclopedia or quick guide to all the diverse beings, languages, and history that make up Tolkien's Middle-earth. Nor is it a set of plot outlines for the novels. Rather, what you'll find in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies is a basic guide to some of the possible linguistic and mythological origins of Middle-earth, plus a rudimentary analysis of its many themes and lessons for our world. This book can help enrich your reading (or re-reading) of Tolkien's novels, and it will challenge you to think about the themes inherent in Tolkien's Middle-earth and their implications in your own life.

Here's just a sampling of the topics you'll find covered in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies:

Exploring the main themes in Tolkien's works, including immortality and death; the heroic quest; love; fate and free will; and faith and redemption
Investigating the diverse lands of Middle-earth – including the Shire, Gondor, and Mordor – and their significance
Examining the different cultures of Middle-earth, such as Hobbits, Elves, Men, and those wily Wizards
Touring the history of Middle-earth
Understanding Tolkien's creation of new languages to enrich the story of Middle-earth
Top Ten lists on the battles in the War of the Ring, online resources, and the ways the films differ from the novels

So, whether you're reading Tolkien's novels or watching the films for the first time, or you've been a fan for many years and are looking for a new take on Tolkien's works, The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies can help you enhance your reading or viewing experience for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

A Special Book for Christians and Tolkien Fans.......2007-09-09

This is a special book for Christians and Tolkien fans. The author, Greg Harvey (a committed Buddhist) not only reveals the mythological Origins of Tolkien's Middle Earth but is just as faithful to Tolkien's beliefs to reveal the Christian origins of Tolkien's Middle Earth. Even as a committed Buddhist the author without a hint of any skepticism reveals the central role of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to not only the life outlook of Tolkien but to the world view of the inhabitants of middle earth. I think his best verse that describes the common angst shared by the people of middle earth and us can be found on pg. 231 of Chapter 16: "Tolkien may be trying to give us a way to hear the Music of Creation and thereby know its Composer. In ennobling his characters and showing how some of them can maintain hope in the darkness of their pre-Christian world, he may be signaling a possible way for us to follow in our post-Christian one." The book is also written with a good grain of humor, wit, reverence and fondness. Highly recommended reference.

Good with Tolkien's Details, but Not with Tolkien's Themes.......2007-04-22

A well-written and informative introduction to Middle-earth, but sadly the product of an author bending a classic to his will. Other authors using Tolkien's works as a springboard for religious conversation entitle their books accordingly. If I buy a book called, 'Finding God in the Lord of the Rings,' I know what to expect. Not so with Harvey. Better to call the book, 'Finding Comparative Religion and Philosophy in Tolkien's Middle-earth.' Harvey calls his approach 'hermeneutics', which is as useful to the analysis of Middle-earth themes as a bicycle is to a fish and serves to tarnish the bright silver themes Tolkien wove into the narrative.

To better understand Tolkien's themes, read Tolkien's letters. Harvey drops hints throughout the book, reaching his thematic climax on pg. 232, second paragraph. In trying to write an essay open to all, he dilutes his argument fatally.

Buy this book for the evocative cover, or the well-written and valuable arrangement of information about Tolkien's people, places, and things. The charts and illustrations will illuminate the character relationships and Middle-earth geography. It does all that VERY VERY WELL!!! But if you're looking for clarification of Tolkien's thematic approach, go to his Letters.

Namarie!

Lots of fun information.......2007-04-16

We love this book. It's probably too "light" for a serious Tolkien scholar, but it has a lot of useful information presented briefly and simply. For just a reference book for the casual reader, I'd highly recommend it.

bleh x 5!.......2005-08-20

If someone wanted to write a book about Tolkien & Middle Earth, they should have researched a little better. Not *this* garbage! Tolkien was a CATHOLIC -- & a hard-liner at that. Catholic. Not Buddhist, not Pagan & certainly NOT Gnostic (sheesh! Some of this stuff in this book was hard to read because it was so WRONG)! Yes, he got some of his ideas from mythology (the myth part of the book is ok, I guess. But, there are so many *other* *better* books about myth out there than *this*... I know I've read better). But, the books are basically Catholic. Just read the Sil & you'll see what I mean! There's hardly *anything* in here about Tolkien's Catholic upbringing as it pertains to the books. If I want the *real* story on Tolkien & what he believed & wrote, I'll stick w/Tolkien's Letters & Joseph Pearce.

I shouldn't have bought this book, but... well, I'm a sucker for anything Tolkien.....

Terrible, Full of Errors.......2005-01-22

I sat down in Borders and read this in half an hour. I am a huge Tolkien fan, and know all his works backward and forward, and this was such a terrible thing to see shelved in the bookstore. It mistranslates names, gets dates and events screwed up, and is simply a terrible reference material. If you want to know about Tolkien's Middle-earth, pick up Tolkien's books and *read* the things.

Don't take this crappy short-cut.

3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation

Average customer rating:

A good book for basic 3D simulation
The Best Text on 3-D Geological Structures

3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation
Richard H. Groshong Jr.
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

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

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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

Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping with Structural Methods (2nd Edition)
Principles of Sequence Stratigraphy (Developments in Sedimentology)
Stereographic Projection Techniques for Geologists and Civil Engineers
Fundamentals of Structural Geology
Seismic Stratigraphy, Basin Analysis and Reservoir Characterisation, Volume 37 (Handbook of Geophysical Exploration: Seismic Exploration)

Accessories:

Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis
Recent Advances in Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering and Microzonation (Geotechnical, Geological, and Earthquake Engineering)
Rheology of the Earth

ASIN: 3540310541

Book Description

This is a handbook of practical techniques for making the best possible interpretation of geological structures at the map scale and for extracting the maximum amount of information from surface and subsurface maps. The 3-D structure is defined by internally consistent structure contour maps and cross sections of all horizons and faults. The book is directed toward the professional user who is concerned about both the accuracy of an interpretation and the speed with which it can be obtained from incomplete data. Quantitative methods are emphasized throughout, and numerous analytical solutions are given that can be easily implemented with a pocket calculator or a spreadsheet. Interpretation strategies are defined for GIS or CAD users, yet are simple enough to be done by hand. The user of this book will be able to produce better geological maps and cross sections, judge the quality of existing maps, and locate and fix mapping errors.

The second edition has been reorganized to more nearly follow the typical interpretation workflow. A significant amount of new material has been added, in particular numerous examples of 3-D models and techniques for using kinematic models to predict fault and ramp-anticline geometry. The new edition includes a CD which supplements the text in several ways. Text figures are reproduced in color and complete Tecplot models are provided for a number of representative figures. For those interested in working exercises in mapping software, xyz input files are provided in text format for many of the map-based exercises. Answers to selected exercises are included.

Customer Reviews:

A good book for basic 3D simulation.......2007-08-06

I t si A good book for basic 3D simulation and
easy to understand the 3D simulation terms.

The Best Text on 3-D Geological Structures.......2000-05-17

This is probably the best available text on three-dimensional representation of geological structures. It is a handbook for use by professionals but would also serve as a supplemental text for structural geology or workstation courses.

The content is logically organized, well focused, clearly written and complete. The topics begin with the basics. These include classification, description and analysis of structures. More advanced topics follow. They range from dynamic interaction between structural and sedimentary events to fluid movements and to restoration. The worked examples are simple and clearly make their respective points. The exercises range from rudimentary to somewhat challenging for the first-time student of structural geology. Many topics would be new to anyone who has not kept current with advances in structural geology. These include, among others, new techniques in dip sequence analysis and calculating area-depth relations.

Modern technology in the form of workstations permits geoscientists to produce spectacular graphics depicting geological structures and their development. A common complaint of energy company managers is that the interpretive graphics look so good that they are believable simply because of the presentation. When financial decisions such as drilling are made based on those interpretations they often are found to be incorrect. Workstation interpreters could significantly improve the quality of their structural interpretations if they master the content of Dr. Groshong's book. Moreover, as visualization becomes an important trend to the future of interpretation technology, the basic science represented by this book takes on a more important and timely meaning.

The price of the book may seem to be excessive. This is especially evident when compared with texts prepared by non-profit organizations such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Those books are more attractive because they use color and are printed on better quality paper. This book has no color and is printed on ordinary quality paper. However, if the price of the book is compared with similar books published by for-profit book houses, the price is competitive. In the final analysis, the content of the text and quality of the writing more than justify its purchase.

I recommend this text to all interested in the study and practice of structural geology, especially interpreters using workstation or visualization technology.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books