|
I am personally familiar with several of his chosen sites (Pompeii, Machu Picchu, Thera, Troy, Nineveh, Rosetta Stone), yet learned something new about each from this his descriptions and analysis. At first I was mildly disappointed that it offered no photos, maps, drawings or illustrations that normally accompany such texts, but once I started reading, I quickly forgot about this omission.It is not easy to treat effectively ten major archaeological discoveries in some 20 pages each, but Dr. This pocket-sized book by Stanford Archaeologist Patrick Hunt on "Ten Discoveries that Rewrote History" covers a lot of ground on this weighty subject. Interjected throughout are personal anecdotes by Dr. Hunt has done this masterfully, starting with a description of what the initial discoverer must have felt upon realizing the significance of what he had come across, whether by chance or determined effort. He then describes the ensuing study of these finds and why they changed the way historians and archaeologists look at the past. Hunt regarding his contract with these sites and the scholars who are studying them.This book can easily be read and enjoyed over a single weekend, with the resulting urge to visit many of these fascinating sites. I would certainly recommend it to the adventurous traveler with an interest in the ancient world.
Hunt starts with the discovery process and ends with the implications--which really, unless you plan on pursuing the field--is all you need. A short read but certainly worth it. For example, first you learn how the French unearthed the Rosetta Stone, then the race to translate it by Thomas Young and Jean-François Champollion, and finally exactly how critical it has become in deciphering Egyptian Culture. Hunt gives you a great introduction to the discovery of Troy, Pompeii, The Tomb of 10,000 Warriors, Thera (possibly Atlantis) and the Rosetta Stone. Again, he rarely goes into much depth and it is very anecdotal, but I found the stories to be fascinating. Rather than trust the Wikipedia pages or a travel guide, pick up this book and keep it with you. It is the hub for a great many spokes of world history and archeology.
Patrick Hunt put together a delightful little book from the themes he covers in a popular college course, Ten Discoveries That Rewrote History. Hunt chronicles such discoveries as the Terracotta Warriors, the Rosetta Stone and Machu Picchu and their effect on science, history and popular culture. This well written book takes the reader on a journey across the globe and back and forth through time. As a Biblical historian, I found the text not overly academic without shirking responsibilities of noting cultural context and impact on traditional understanding in various schools of thought. Hunt's book gives meaningful information that will serve all readers well regardless, of their walk of life. If it doesn't make you fantasize about being Indiana Jones, it will certainly entice you to travel to some of, if not all of, the exquisite locales described within the book.
To read this book is to take journeys where few people go. Hunt is much more than an archeologist and historian as he brings details and knowledge to the book that only a brilliant mind can do. And, they are journeys to some of earth's most fascinating corners of history. Patrick Hunt brings them alive as he leads us concisely through "Ten Discoveries That Rewrote History", leading us across Europe, the Mideast, South America and China. As a former National Geographic photographer, I am often surprised when anyone in academia makes complex topics understandable to the lay reader. The author has done it here and he's done it extremely well.
I found this book to be a lively and thoroughly entertaining read on these historically important archaeological finds - two words that I normally wouldn't think to pair up with `archaeology' and `history'. The author does a wonderful job presenting these 10 discoveries with facts and a flair for storytelling - as there are plenty of tales surrounding each find. I would recommend this book to any history or archaeology buff, or simply anyone looking for a brilliant overview of two handfuls of pivotal moments that have expanded the way we think about history.
|
