When Charleston�s founders moved their settlement across the Ashley River to the peninsula in 1680; they hoped for protection from pirate and Native American attacks; as well as increased trade and healthier living conditions. Their first three wishes came true; but not the final one. Life in colonial Charles Towne was dangerous�epidemic diseases; primitive medical practices; and a harsh environment led to the early demise of rich and poor alike. The graveyards of churches and public burial grounds quickly filled. Today; Charleston�s historic cemeteries are almost as common a sight downtown as the churches that define the city. These tree-shrouded glades invite tourists and residents to explore the resting places of Charleston�s most illustrious and interesting personalities. Charleston�s Historic Cemeteries offers a guided pictorial tour of the elaborate gravestones and elegant inscriptions dedicated to the famous and infamous; including William Rhett and his adversary; the pirate Stede Bonnet. With dozens of illustrated stories about the transformation of funerals; tombstones; and mourning customs in America during the past 300 years; the book details how Charleston became the home of a historically unique; city-wide gallery of mortuary sculpture.
#3964347 in eBooks 2014-08-01 2014-08-03File Name: B00ME3JRCI
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. All-Around Excellent BookBy Arthur ChandlerThe overwhelming majority of books about classical music deal primarily with the composers lives and/or the nature of their music. This book concentrates on the audiences: their changing expectations; evolution of concert settings and social conventions ; and many more considerations that have helped define how audiences today approach live music performances.I agree with all the previous reviewer s comments. I read the book in its paperback form; but Im buying now for my Kindle reader so that I can easily copy quotations to send to friends for discussion.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. fascinating read that has so far led to wonderful philosophical discussion among my peersBy Kindle CustomerThis was an absolutely lovely; fascinating read that has so far led to wonderful philosophical discussion among my peers. It came in pretty good condition; held up well; and has been a great tool for learning about lopeacute;ra franccedil;ais and general human nature.22 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Music History and MoreBy A CustomerThis is a fascinating account of musical life in Paris between 1750 and 1850. Although Johnson is trying to discover why opera audiences became silent during this period; he has a lot more than just silence on his mind. The book explores the decline of aristocratic control over music and its take-over by bourgeois audiences; it also traces how music moved from being a cerebral experience to an emotional one. Johnson writes extremely well; and knows how to pick appropriate and witty anecdotes to keep the text moving along. This is one of the few books that both academic scholars and ordinary readers should be able to appreciate and enjoy; it is easily one of the best books on music history to come along in years; and fun to read as well.
