The Past from Above: Aerial Photographs of Archaeological Sites

By Georg Gerster

Book Overview

Now available in paperback, The Past From Above presents stunning aerial photographs of 250 of the world's foremost archaeological sites. The photographer, Georg Gerster, has been shooting ancient sites from the air for more than fifty years. In this current collection, his subjects range from the temple complex at Karnak to the Great Wall of China, and from the Acropolis in Athens to Aztec palaces in Mexico. Gerster's photographs are technical achievements--often produced under hair-raising circumstances--in their own right but at the same time offer a unique visual history of mankind stretching back to the dawn of civilization. Charlotte Tr: umpler introduces the photographs with an overview of the critical role that aerial photography has played in archaeological research

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892368179
• ISBN13: 9780892368174
• Release Date: July 2005
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 5.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 11.8" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

So much more than a coffee table book.

This is in every way a splendid book. The photographs are superb, and present a well-chosen selection of the world's great archeological sites. The one-column authoritative descriptions are a bonus. Don't ignore the historical introduction or the hilarious jottings from the photographer, Georg Gerster. It all brings back so many memories.

Great Book!

The pictures are spectacular, giving you another perspective on nearly every major monument throughout the world. Also is provided a brief history of the monument and what archaeologists believe was the main purpose of it. Great book - highly recommend it to anyone

Better Than Bird's Eye View

If you want to review the wonder of human kind's imprint on the earth, enjoy this book. If you want to wonder at the uses of the earth's treasures to show creativity and genius spend time with this book. That these architectural remains can be seen from the air in entirety is made possible by Georg Gerster's incredible artistry.

Aerial views

Exceeded expectations. The views were unexpectedly revealing, and the written descriptions of each view were also unexpectedly revealing.

UNIQUE

This is more than a 'coffee table' book. It consists of 249 photographs from around the world -- all archeological (and many world heritage) sites. It's uniqueness is this: There are large sharp color photographs as well as duplicate small color photographs. Appended to the smaller photographs is a signed discussion and description which, while succinct, is comprehensive and satisfactory. I have not seen a book like this one. Both the photographs, the worldwide areas covered, and the text are very fine. Strongly recommended.