For a general audience interested in solving mysteries in art; history; and literature using the methods of science; forensic astronomy is a thrilling new field of exploration. Astronomical calculations are the basis of the studies; which have the advantage of bringing to readers both evocative images and a better understanding of the skies. Weather facts; volcano studies; topography; tides; historical letters and diaries; famous paintings; military records; and the friendly assistance of experts in related fields add variety; depth; and interest to the work. The chosen topics are selected for their wide public recognition and intrigue; involving artists such as Vincent van Gogh; Claude Monet; Edvard Munch; and Ansel Adams; historical events such as the Battle of Marathon; the death of Julius Caesar; the American Revolution; and World War II; and literary authors such as Chaucer; Shakespeare; Joyce; and Mary Shelley. This book sets out to answer these mysteries indicated with the means and expertise of astronomy; opening the door to a richer experience of human culture and its relationship with nature. Each subject is carefully analyzed. As an example using the study of sky paintings by Vincent van Gogh; the analytical method would include: - computer calculations of historical skies above France in the 19th century - finding and quoting the clues found in translations of original letters by Van Gogh - making site visits to France to determine the precise locations when Van Gogh set up his easel and what celestial objects are depicted. For each historical event influenced by astronomy; there would be a different kind of mystery to be solved. As an example: - How can the phase of the Moon and time of moonrise help to explain a turning point of the American Civil War - the fatal wounding of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville in 1863? For each literary reference to astronomy; it was determined which celestial objects were being described and making an argument that the author is describing an actual event. For example; what was the date of the moonlit scene when Mary Shelley first had the idea for her novel ldquo;Frankenstein?rdquo;These and more fun riddles will enchant and delight the fan of art and astronomy.
#3470479 in eBooks 2013-08-28 2013-08-28File Name: B00FJYJY9U
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Important synthesis of the Shang period in ChinaBy usabear"China in the Early Bronze Age: Shang Civilization" is a carefully constructed tome synthesizing up-to-date archeological findings in China to postulate the construction of space over time during the periods surrounding the Shang Dynasty. Purposely passing on specific conclusions as to the finality of such spacial organization; and reminding us that the "dynasties" prior to the unifying Qin were only elements of a larger; complex whole; Thorp; nonetheless has produced an important addition to the literature pertaining to this period of Chinese history. Beginning with Erlitou Culture; and passing through Erligang Culture; Thorp brings us into the Shang period at Anyang; explicating the various aspects of technology; ritual and culture of the various periods. Included in this; relatively short; tightly organized book are numerous boxed features and references to ongoing research. As good an introduction to the formative period of Chinese society and culture as one is likely to find; and written in immensely readable form.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Good but too SkepticalBy Louis PetrilloA standard joke is that the Iliad wasnt written by Homer but another Greek with the same name. This author takes the standard Western skeptical view that the Xia dynasty is purely fictitious; a product of later Chinese myth. What can I say but that they knew that somebody preceded the Shang; even if they didnt have many hard facts about them. The Erlitou culture fits the bill. Why not just call them the Xia?But he does give a good description of late Shang culture as we now know it. Obviously this isnt the last word because there remains so much yet to be uncovered.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Shang civilization uncoveredBy kkbsUnfortunately; compared to the subsequent Zhou dynasty the Shang (ca. 1300-1050 b.c.e.) have not left many written records; mainly carvings on oracle bones and relatively few inscriptions on their bronze vessels (which otherwise are at least as gorgeous as those of the Western Zhou period). Consequently; this book is rather focussed on archaeology; rather than a historical narrative of the Shang period it gives a narrative of the history of Shang excavations starting from the beginning of the last century. As such; it starts with the earliest findings at the Erlitou site; explains the importance of the Erlingang culture (the actual beginning of the Shang dynasty) and describes the excavations at the Yinxu site at Anyang; with its famous tomb of Lady Hao. The author included a lot of fine sketches; in particular of bronzes; of rubbings of bronze inscriptions; a few black and white pictures and a number of maps of the location of the archaeological sites.Particularly interesting I found the boxes inserted in the main text; in which Thorp introduces a lot of different aspects; ranging from the Chinese institute of Archaeology and its major scientists to ancient building practices to the five styles of Max Loehr. Finally; Thorp draws some short parallels to other contemporary bronze cultures in China; such as Sangxingdui in Sichuan.While I would have appreciated a few more references to the classical Shang history (even if the classical texts may not be very reliable); based upon the many archaeological findings the author succeeds in outlining an interesting picture of the Shang society and culture.