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Stories in Stone | 
 enlarge | Creator: Douglas Keister
Publisher: Gibbs Smith, Publisher
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $16.47
You Save: $8.48 (34%)
New (20) Used (6) from $14.49
Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 20128
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 9 x 4.4 x 0.5
ISBN: 1567317766
Dewey Decimal Number: 731.549
EAN: 9781586853211
ASIN: 158685321X
Publication Date: April 5, 2004
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
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Product Description
Certain symbols abound in modern Western culture that are instantly recognizable: the cross signifies Christianity, the six-pointed Star of David is revered by Jews, the golden arches frequently means it's time for lunch. Other symbols, however, require a bit of decoding-particularly those found in cemeteries. < BR> Cemeteries are virtual encyclopedias of symbolism. Engravings on tombstones, mausoleums and memorials tell us just about everything there is to know about a person- date of birth and death as well as religion, ethnicity, occupation, community interests, and much more. In the fascinating new book Stories in Stone: The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism by noted author Douglas Keister, the secrets of cemetery symbolism are finally revealed. For instance, did you know that it is quite rare to see a sunflower on a tombstone? Did you know that the human foot symbolizes humility and service since it consistently touches the earth? Or the humble sheaf of wheat-while it is often used to denote someone who has lived a long and fruitful life, do you know other meanings it might carry? < BR> Stories in Stone provides history along with images of a wide variety of common and not-so-common cemetery symbols, and offers an in-depth examination of stone relics and the personal and intimate details they display-flora and fauna, religious icons, society symbols, and final impressions of how the deceased wished to be remembered. Douglas Keister has created a practical field guide that is compact and portable, perfect for those interested in family histories and genealogical research, and is the only book of its kind that unlocks the language of symbols in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner. < BR> Douglas Keister has photographed fourteen award-winning, critically acclaimed books (including Red Tile Style: America's Spanish Revival Architecture, The Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Home, and Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties) earning him the title "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture." He also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to other books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards. Doug lives in Chico, California, and travels frequently to photograph and lecture on historic architecture and photography.< BR>
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| Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 Learning and Remembering October 14, 2008
I used this book while leading a "history hike" for our local Y.M.C.A. We hiked through several old cemetaries using this book as our guide. It was easy to use and made our trip very enjoyable as we learned about the symbols we saw on the old stones.
Even better that I thought October 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Need something to do? Grab this book and head towards the cemetery! Being more than just a final resting place, cemeteries offer so much more for the living than just a place to visit our dearly departed. There is so much history and symbolism in cemeteries and I can't think of a better tribute to those who lie beneath the stones than taking the time to understand who they were. Hanging out in a cemetery isn't creepy, it's a learning experience. This book is the perfect size and the photos and research really show the authors passion for this subject.
Fantastic August 4, 2008
An outstanding book about the symbolism of tombstone art. It shows an enormous amount of research and conveys the meanings in everyday vernacular. 5 stars for sure
Reference and Entertaining July 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is the book I've always been looking for, and just didn't know it. Not only is this a fabulous reference book for taphophile, but it's also just good reading. As much time as I have spent wandering and working in cemeteries, I've learned some interesting facts. The book is also quite lovely, and well organized. And the facts seem well researched, and gives quotes from the appropriate religious texts when appropriate. It also gives more than the Christian context for many of the symbols and seems well balanced for an overview of American cemeteries. I knew within seconds of browsing this book I had to have it, and it's been nothing but wonderful since.
An excellent reference book April 7, 2008
This book is excellent for anyone interested in cemetery symbolism and/or genealogy. The photographs make it all the easier to understand. I highly recommend this book...it's one of the best of it's kind that I have found.
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