In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century; the look and feel of cemeteries in the United States changed dramatically; from utilitarian burial grounds to the serene parklike spaces that we know today. The so-called park cemetery was innovative not only for its distinctive landscape architecture but also because its staff designed; ran; and maintained the cemetery; which led to a very consistent appearance. By the mid-1800s; the influence of park cemeteries began to spread from big cities on the East Coast to the Midwest—eventually producing fifteen transitional examples in Grand Rapids; Michigan. In The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids; Michigan; Thomas R. Dilley details the history of Grand Rapids’ park cemeteries; finding that their development mimicked national trends and changing cultural beliefs about honoring the dead. Dilley begins by outlining the history and evolution of cemetery design from its earliest days to the present; including information about key design elements and descriptions of important designers. He continues by introducing readers to the fifteen historic cemeteries located in the city of Grand Rapids; detailing their histories; formats; and developmental changes along with more than two hundred photos. The cemeteries are divided between public and private properties; and are discussed chronologically; according to the dates of their founding. Dilley also considers the artistic and architectural forms that appear in the Grand Rapids cemeteries; including a thorough discussion of the religious and decorative symbols used on markers; the use of sometimes florid epitaphs; and variations in the form; structure; and materials of cemetery markers of the time. A brief section on the future of the cemetery and an extensive list of bibliographic sources and suggestions for further reading round out this informative volume. Readers with roots in Grand Rapids as well as those interested in social and cultural history will enjoy The Art of Memory.
2016-11-05 2016-11-05File Name: B00NEU2MAE
Review
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Very thoroughBy DarshayI bought this together with "Singing Exercises for Dummies"; same author. Both books are very informative and thorough. No book is going to make you a good singer by itself; you need a coach who can listen to you and give you feedback. However; the more you learn and the more exercises you do; the better. As I said about the other book; it can only help.20 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Singing for Dummies is greatBy LuxembourgStarI ordered Singing for Dummies originally because I have had experience with the "Dummies" line of instruction books and had confidence in their effectiveness. But this book was truly instructive. All I was looking for was the basics about breathing; intonation and range. The "nuts and bolts" of singing. The drills included on the CD were very helpful. References placed through the book reminding you where to find the text pertaining to a drill or aspect of singing made it easy to put together the point being made. It was a real bargain.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. 5 Stars for this;By Frank MayoSeth Riggs book /CD/course is indispensable but this book goes a little bit further. I rate this one because it gets down in explicit detail on posture; breathing and tone. 5 Stars!
