Ancient Ruins and Archaeology

by L. Sprague de Camp

Ancient ruins and archaeology

294 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Lyon Sprague de Camp was an American author of science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction literature. In a career spanning 60 years, he wrote over 100 books, both novels and works of non-fiction, including biographies of other fantasy authors. He was a major figure in science fiction in the 1930s and 1940s.

Reviews

[Charlotte]

I enjoyed parts of this guide through the monumental structures of the ancient world, however the anthropological language of 1965 is shocking to modern readers. De Camp's choice of sites provides a varied cross-section of civilisations and time periods. The photographs and maps add context to the detailed descriptions. His choice to include Atlantis as the first chapter was not expected, nor the chapter on King Arthur and the Round Table. Unfortunately, the amount of text in all chapters given over to the denunciation of primitive archaeologists, occultists, fanatics and plain swindlers detracts from the historical information de Camp wishes to impart.

'How many weary centuries have flown
Since strange-eyed beings walked this ancient shore,
Hearing, as we, the green Pacific's roar,
Hewing fantastic gods from sullen stone!' (Howard)

[Callie R.]

Light and fun read on a handful of ancient ruins and the body of scholarship concerning them. One does have to ask what authority de Camp claims on this subject, but all the same, it is written with humor and enthusiasm.

[Rose]

913 deC