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Amber Books Graveyards (Amazing Places).
Graveyards (Amazing Places) ABISBOOK Amber Books.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2024
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2024
September 4, 2024Non-fiction November TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books
September 14, 2024
This book is beautiful, depicting burial sites around the world and the customs associated with the dead. It was fascinating to see some ancient burial grounds. The most compelling was the tree graves of Tana Toraja.
I had never seen the fairytale style towers in Irish cemeteries before, I will be researching this tradition to find out more. It was also really interesting to see the little painted shed-like structures in the Russian Orthodox cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska, another tradition to research. They allow the structures to decompose back into the earth rather than maintain their appearance.
It is also interesting to see how the modern world approach death, the Neptune Memorial Reef in Florida combines the ashes of over 600 people with concrete to make artificial reefs in the ocean.
The architecture of the cemeteries travelled across the world, a lot of the cemeteries are classical in style, whether they are ancient or from the 1800s. The cemetery in Kolkata was similar to the European cemeteries.
I found this book completely fascinating. The photographs are so detailed. I think this would be a great coffee table book that will create great conversation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for letting me read and review this ARC.
I had never seen the fairytale style towers in Irish cemeteries before, I will be researching this tradition to find out more. It was also really interesting to see the little painted shed-like structures in the Russian Orthodox cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska, another tradition to research. They allow the structures to decompose back into the earth rather than maintain their appearance.
It is also interesting to see how the modern world approach death, the Neptune Memorial Reef in Florida combines the ashes of over 600 people with concrete to make artificial reefs in the ocean.
The architecture of the cemeteries travelled across the world, a lot of the cemeteries are classical in style, whether they are ancient or from the 1800s. The cemetery in Kolkata was similar to the European cemeteries.
I found this book completely fascinating. The photographs are so detailed. I think this would be a great coffee table book that will create great conversation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for letting me read and review this ARC.
Read
September 25, 2024This is an absolutely gorgeous collection of photographs from cemeteries around the world. It covers a large number of locations with just a short summary paragraph for each photograph, so it's really just a teaser of each one, but it left me wanting to learn more and do more research once I put the book down. The images are vivid and hauntingly beautiful, with incredible detail. There are several that go beyond standard tombstone and architectural subjects to showcase catacombs, skulls, and mummies strikingly displayed standing in full attire. It is a great candidate for a coffee table book in my house.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free advanced copy on NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free advanced copy on NetGalley.
September 9, 2024
I love fun facts and photography, although sometimes it can be difficult to find enough favourites to include in a review. I had the opposite problem here so, even though I’ve tried to restrain myself, I’ve included more than I usually would.
Because Back to the Future is never too far from my mind, I need to tell you that the Cave Hill Cemetery clock tower in Louisville, Kentucky has been struck by lightning a number of times.
At Boston’s Granary Burying Ground in 2009 “an abandoned entrance to an unmarked crypt was rediscovered when the ground gave way beneath a visitor, plunging her into a hidden stairwell.”
One of my favourite photos was of Kilmacduagh Monastery in Galway, Ireland.
Image credit: Jon Ingall
A partly ruined ninth-century building at Mizdarkhan in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan is known as the Apocalypse Clock. It is believed that “when the final brick falls, it will herald the end of the world.”
I love graves that showcase the personality or interests of the person buried there, so absolutely adore the piano in London’s Highgate Cemetery.
Image credit: Flavia Paoletti
Off the coast of Madagascar, pirates are buried at Île Sainte Marie. Naturally their gravestones are marked with skulls and crossbones.
Image credit: Florian Blümm
There was a focus on cemeteries in Europe and the Americas. Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific combined had under 50 pages dedicated to them, whereas Europe and the Americas had 170. There were less photos that looked like a haunting had been interrupted than I had hoped but the abundance of memorable fun facts made up for it.
NB: Images are taken from the eARC so the colours may not be an accurate representation of the photos in the book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Amber Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Because Back to the Future is never too far from my mind, I need to tell you that the Cave Hill Cemetery clock tower in Louisville, Kentucky has been struck by lightning a number of times.
At Boston’s Granary Burying Ground in 2009 “an abandoned entrance to an unmarked crypt was rediscovered when the ground gave way beneath a visitor, plunging her into a hidden stairwell.”
One of my favourite photos was of Kilmacduagh Monastery in Galway, Ireland.
Image credit: Jon Ingall
A partly ruined ninth-century building at Mizdarkhan in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan is known as the Apocalypse Clock. It is believed that “when the final brick falls, it will herald the end of the world.”
I love graves that showcase the personality or interests of the person buried there, so absolutely adore the piano in London’s Highgate Cemetery.
Image credit: Flavia Paoletti
Off the coast of Madagascar, pirates are buried at Île Sainte Marie. Naturally their gravestones are marked with skulls and crossbones.
The Kankanaey people of Sagada suspend the coffins of their most distinguished elders from the cliffs. Traditionally, the elderly make their own coffins and paint their names on the side; the bodies are placed in a foetal position, mimicking their entry into life.
Image credit: Florian Blümm
There was a focus on cemeteries in Europe and the Americas. Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific combined had under 50 pages dedicated to them, whereas Europe and the Americas had 170. There were less photos that looked like a haunting had been interrupted than I had hoped but the abundance of memorable fun facts made up for it.
NB: Images are taken from the eARC so the colours may not be an accurate representation of the photos in the book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Amber Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
September 7, 2024
Book Review: Graveyards by Alastair Horne
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who has always found beauty in graveyards, I was excited to dive into Alastair Horne's Graveyards. This book is a beautifully photographed exploration of burial sites from around the world, showcasing not only their physical beauty but also the rich histories and cultural significances that surround these resting places.
In Graveyards, Horne takes us on a journey through time, revealing how different cultures commemorate their dead. From the somber memorials of George Custer’s fallen soldiers at Little Bighorn to the haunting echoes of the bubonic plague in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, each site tells a story that resonates deeply with the universal experience of death. The book beautifully captures the diversity of burial traditions, whether it’s the hanging coffins of Sagada in the Philippines or the vibrantly painted tombstones of Romania’s Merry Cemetery, which offer a poetic glimpse into the lives of those interred there. The Cairo Necropolis, often referred to as the “City of the Dead,” adds an ancient layer to this exploration, showcasing Islamic-era tombs that have stood for centuries.
What I particularly loved about Graveyards is how Horne pairs stunning visuals with insightful commentary. The accompanying texts provide context, offering fascinating snippets of history that enrich the experience. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself captivated not just by the images, but by the stories behind them. It made me reflect on how different cultures approach mourning and celebration of their deceased loved ones—something that I find incredibly important and poignant.
Overall, Graveyards is a visually stunning and thought-provoking read for anyone who shares my passion for exploring these quiet yet beautiful places. It’s more than just a book about graveyards; it’s an invitation to ponder life, death, and how we remember those who came before us. I give it four stars for its beautiful photography and the depth of its exploration. If you appreciate history, culture, or just enjoy wandering through graveyards as I do, this book is definitely worth a read!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who has always found beauty in graveyards, I was excited to dive into Alastair Horne's Graveyards. This book is a beautifully photographed exploration of burial sites from around the world, showcasing not only their physical beauty but also the rich histories and cultural significances that surround these resting places.
In Graveyards, Horne takes us on a journey through time, revealing how different cultures commemorate their dead. From the somber memorials of George Custer’s fallen soldiers at Little Bighorn to the haunting echoes of the bubonic plague in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, each site tells a story that resonates deeply with the universal experience of death. The book beautifully captures the diversity of burial traditions, whether it’s the hanging coffins of Sagada in the Philippines or the vibrantly painted tombstones of Romania’s Merry Cemetery, which offer a poetic glimpse into the lives of those interred there. The Cairo Necropolis, often referred to as the “City of the Dead,” adds an ancient layer to this exploration, showcasing Islamic-era tombs that have stood for centuries.
What I particularly loved about Graveyards is how Horne pairs stunning visuals with insightful commentary. The accompanying texts provide context, offering fascinating snippets of history that enrich the experience. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself captivated not just by the images, but by the stories behind them. It made me reflect on how different cultures approach mourning and celebration of their deceased loved ones—something that I find incredibly important and poignant.
Overall, Graveyards is a visually stunning and thought-provoking read for anyone who shares my passion for exploring these quiet yet beautiful places. It’s more than just a book about graveyards; it’s an invitation to ponder life, death, and how we remember those who came before us. I give it four stars for its beautiful photography and the depth of its exploration. If you appreciate history, culture, or just enjoy wandering through graveyards as I do, this book is definitely worth a read!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
September 1, 2024
This review is based on a digital review copy kindly provided by #NetGalley.
Long Story Short: A beginner's guide to cemetery art and architecture
Graveyards by Alastair Horne’s accessible and varied display of cemetery pictures is an interesting introduction to funeral art and traditions around the globe.
However, it has some weak spots, mostly related to the photographs themselves. Each of them is accompanied by a small caption providing some extra information, but some shots were taken from odd perspectives, while their quality is lacking. This could be explained by the differences between the digital copy (which I read) and the physical copy.
Lastly, when comparing the page ratio between each region-dedicated chapter, it is hard not to notice the gap between the four represented zones. While Europe and the Americas stand at 116 and 54 pages, respectively, Africa and the Middle East (grouped into one single 21-page chapter) and Asia and the Pacific (with a total of 26 pages) do not even reach the 50-page mark together. I cannot help but feel that I would have enjoyed a little more representation of these regions, even if it meant 100 more pages or perhaps the book’s division into 2 volumes.
Long Story Short: A beginner's guide to cemetery art and architecture
Graveyards by Alastair Horne’s accessible and varied display of cemetery pictures is an interesting introduction to funeral art and traditions around the globe.
However, it has some weak spots, mostly related to the photographs themselves. Each of them is accompanied by a small caption providing some extra information, but some shots were taken from odd perspectives, while their quality is lacking. This could be explained by the differences between the digital copy (which I read) and the physical copy.
Lastly, when comparing the page ratio between each region-dedicated chapter, it is hard not to notice the gap between the four represented zones. While Europe and the Americas stand at 116 and 54 pages, respectively, Africa and the Middle East (grouped into one single 21-page chapter) and Asia and the Pacific (with a total of 26 pages) do not even reach the 50-page mark together. I cannot help but feel that I would have enjoyed a little more representation of these regions, even if it meant 100 more pages or perhaps the book’s division into 2 volumes.
August 28, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Alastair Horne's Abandoned Scotland book when it came out, and jumped on this one as well.
It's quite good! Beautifully photographed, extensively researched, and covers a wide breadth of cemeteries. As ever, I was surprised at what was included--and what wasn't. I'd semi-expected Hawai'i's Punchbowl Cemetery or other similarly well-known locations to be included (and they weren't), but maybe that was just as well. There's only so much room to go around--literally and figuratively.
I did enjoy the inclusion of some familiar places I've visited--or want to visit; Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery, DC's Arlington National Cemetery, and more. And of course, the many places I've not yet been came to life (no pun intended) on the page and made me want to add them to my travel wishlist.
I'm looking forward to seeing the book in person and look forward to its release in a couple weeks.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It's quite good! Beautifully photographed, extensively researched, and covers a wide breadth of cemeteries. As ever, I was surprised at what was included--and what wasn't. I'd semi-expected Hawai'i's Punchbowl Cemetery or other similarly well-known locations to be included (and they weren't), but maybe that was just as well. There's only so much room to go around--literally and figuratively.
I did enjoy the inclusion of some familiar places I've visited--or want to visit; Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery, DC's Arlington National Cemetery, and more. And of course, the many places I've not yet been came to life (no pun intended) on the page and made me want to add them to my travel wishlist.
I'm looking forward to seeing the book in person and look forward to its release in a couple weeks.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2024
This is not Alastair Horne’s first book about cemeteries. If you think about it, what these graveyards conceal is sad and unpleasant, but the beauty and serenity of these photographs brings a sense of peace. Including pictures from all over the world, some are famous, luxurious places, with incredible sculptures. Others are humble but still remarkable. Some are visited even by tourists and others are in inaccessible locations. Some are beautiful and others less so, including some truly creepy places that look like the setting for a horror story. These graveyards are from all cultures, from antiquity to very recently. The quality of the pictures is outstanding, finding beauty everywhere. The accompanying texts add context and provide fascinating nuggets of information, showcasing how different people have mourned and celebrated their dearly departed. Love it!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amber Books.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amber Books.
September 14, 2024
A bit morbid for a coffee table book – try not to leave this one on show when the vicar or a fragile, susceptible granny calls – this does what you'd expect, pictorially taking us right round the world surveying where we put our dead. Famous Paris cemeteries are here, sans Jim Morrison, we cover everything from the tallest Irish towers to the most sprawling of militaristic mausoleums, and go from Hollywood's grandest to the most humble, anonymous entry in what was a field of war. The standard of the visuals is supreme, the captions tell us just what we might care to know, and if I haven't put it across well enough yet, the scope – from Eleanor Rigby to Ecuadorian topiary – is exemplary.
September 14, 2024
Graveyards is a book of stunning pictures of unique final resting places from around the world. Being able to see a variety of burial practices and headstones was insightful and it was a delightful read. I wish slightly more information would have been provided in the blurbs about each photographed graveyard, but this definitely sparked my interest into taking a deeper dive on several of these graveyards and/or communities!
October 12, 2024
Nice and informative, the photos are obviously the best part. I found the writing... lacking. I started to lose interested after the first half, which is mostly American and European countries. This imbalance made me very critical of it. There's no denying that English and American cemeteries can be gorgeous, but why not include more from the other countries so it's balanced? It was a good idea, but questionable execution. It was entertaining, but I expected better.
September 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this book of burial sites. I enjoyed reading about the different customs funerals and burials. The photography was beautiful. I found myself doing further research on the customs and locations of some of the cemeteries.
*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
October 31, 2024
The photos of graveyarda around the world are fantastic. The cemeteries themselves are like snapshots into of the groups that created and used them. The cemeteries range from around 3 millennia to miss twentieth century. Amazing book.
December 28, 2024
Such a fun read! I love graveyards, and I loved all the information and facts that came with the pictures! I’m pretty sure I’ve added at least five more countries I want to visit for these graveyards!
October 5, 2024
Lovely, interesting photos and blurbs of information about some of the world's most unique, famous, or creepy burying grounds. It would've been cool to have tidbits like a list of interesting people buried in each one, or even more photographs so we could see both the size/scope and the details of each place.
December 29, 2024
What I loved:
I loved the premise of this book. I always enjoy seeing cemeteries. I love the artistry of the headstones, unique epitaphs, the chance to meditate on those who have gone, and the memento mori feeling. It was very interesting learning about the different histories and traditions of various burial places around the world from the small blurbs, and I came away with knowledge I didn't have before.
What I loved less:
While reading the book, I'd get frustrated because the author would often reference parts of the cemetery that didn't make it into the photo, and the photo itself wouldn't have specific features that WERE addressed. I found that odd, but thought the author just decided to include the photo that he thought had the most visual interest.
It was only after looking at the end of the book that I happened to notice, the author didn't take ANY of the photos. They are all from other sources...including Shutterstock. This brought up a whole new host of issues. If the author didn't take a single photo, why was the text so disjointed? Why was it so Eurocentric?? In my opinion, this went from a fascinating book that was a travelogue by a fellow enthusiast, to a cheap money grab. I hope the dozens of photographers got paid. Also, on page 105, some of the special characters didn't work in the typeface, and they actually printed the boxes with Xs in the middle that showed the error.
So while I enjoyed this on premise, I didn't enjoy it on principle. Lazy, a money grab, poorly edited, printed in China (it's the second day of owning this book and the cover is already loose). I would like to see this book redone by an author who actually provided the content completely and had it edited well.
I loved the premise of this book. I always enjoy seeing cemeteries. I love the artistry of the headstones, unique epitaphs, the chance to meditate on those who have gone, and the memento mori feeling. It was very interesting learning about the different histories and traditions of various burial places around the world from the small blurbs, and I came away with knowledge I didn't have before.
What I loved less:
While reading the book, I'd get frustrated because the author would often reference parts of the cemetery that didn't make it into the photo, and the photo itself wouldn't have specific features that WERE addressed. I found that odd, but thought the author just decided to include the photo that he thought had the most visual interest.
It was only after looking at the end of the book that I happened to notice, the author didn't take ANY of the photos. They are all from other sources...including Shutterstock. This brought up a whole new host of issues. If the author didn't take a single photo, why was the text so disjointed? Why was it so Eurocentric?? In my opinion, this went from a fascinating book that was a travelogue by a fellow enthusiast, to a cheap money grab. I hope the dozens of photographers got paid. Also, on page 105, some of the special characters didn't work in the typeface, and they actually printed the boxes with Xs in the middle that showed the error.
So while I enjoyed this on premise, I didn't enjoy it on principle. Lazy, a money grab, poorly edited, printed in China (it's the second day of owning this book and the cover is already loose). I would like to see this book redone by an author who actually provided the content completely and had it edited well.
September 24, 2024
With my passion for genealogy comes my fascination with graveyards. So, I was so excited to discover this wonderful book all about cemeteries and burial grounds. Packed full of stunning photography we get to experience places from all over the world. With details of where they are along with some wonderful information about the history of so many different places. I truly enjoyed this book. I even found some places that I had actually been to, like Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone Arizona. I learned about so many new-to-me places , like cemeteries underwater. If you are a history buff or anyone with a love for genealogy this book is perfect for you. I really enjoyed it thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. I can’t wait to add this to my home collection. Enjoy
October 4, 2024
This was a beautiful collection of graveyard photography spanning across the globe. Each picture was accompanied by a few sentences detailing something notable about the space - whether that be related to the history, landscape, or notable residents buried there.
I thoroughly enjoyed pursuing this and thought the photographs were exceptional. The sections about Europe were particularly well done, but I do think more focus could have been placed on Africa and Asia as I felt these sections were too short in comparison to Europe and the Americas.
Overall this was an enjoyable collection and I would recommend it to those interested in graveyard architecture.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
I thoroughly enjoyed pursuing this and thought the photographs were exceptional. The sections about Europe were particularly well done, but I do think more focus could have been placed on Africa and Asia as I felt these sections were too short in comparison to Europe and the Americas.
Overall this was an enjoyable collection and I would recommend it to those interested in graveyard architecture.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
August 11, 2024
Graveyards by Alistair Horne is full of beautiful color photos from burial sites around the world. I have been to several, including military cemeteries, and historical sites in my travels that are featured in this book. The photos are sectioned by world regions and each gets a small blurb of information. I enjoyed looking through it and it is a nice coffee table type book. I don’t know if it is the type of book I would want to look through again and again but I would check it out from a library. Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for the temporary digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
September 14, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book of photos from graveyards around the world. The descriptions that accompany the pictures explain some of the locations' history and note the famous people buried there, but I would have liked learning more about their cultural and historical relevance. While the book attempts to cover regions all over the world, it was surprisingly (or maybe unsurprisingly) Eurocentric, which was disappointing. This is an intriguing coffee table book but one that's less informative overall than I was hoping.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2024
A beautiful collection of photographs from cemeteries throughout the world. I enjoyed the small snippets of facts and historical information that accompanied the photos and appreciated them being organised by location.
One star deducted as I would have liked a little bit more information about the cemeteries. However I would recommend as an easily accessible book to revisit.
Thanks to Amber Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
One star deducted as I would have liked a little bit more information about the cemeteries. However I would recommend as an easily accessible book to revisit.
Thanks to Amber Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews