This book examines ancient figurines from several world areas to address recurring challenges in the interpretation of prehistoric art. Sometimes figurines from one context are perceived to resemble those from another. Richard G. Lesure asks whether such resemblances play a role in our interpretations. Early interpreters seized on the idea that figurines were recurringly female and constructed the fanciful myth of a primordial Neolithic Goddess. Contemporary practice instead rejects interpretive leaps across contexts. Dr Lesure offers a middle path: a new framework for assessing the relevance of particular comparisons. He develops the argument in case studies that consider figurines from Paleolithic Europe; the Neolithic Near East and Formative Mesoamerica.
#1416479 in eBooks 2011-03-21 2011-03-21File Name: B004U7MU9S
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The best book Ive seen on this topicBy A. WhitacreAs the reviewer above says. this author knows his material -- and whats more. he knows what his readers want to know. This is well illustrated. explains technical information in a good way for a practitioner -- doesnt talk down to his readers. and also doesnt over simplify the material. In addition. the case study aspect of the book is detailed. and includes enough information to be of use to someone in the profession and in the field. In short. this is not a book only of theory -- but of illustrations that back up the theory and clearly practical experience that will illustrate various ways these systems go together. Ive already recommended this book to my office.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very nice book. Highly recommendedBy DLINVery nice book. Highly recommended5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. The author really knows his materialBy ARCHITECTThis book was written by a guy that actually worked on dozens of structural glass facades. His company helped design. refine. fabricate and install many of the best known projects. He has decades of direct experience. and wrote the book himself. Everyone in the business knows that Patterson is THE GO-TO guy in this business. The descriptions and case studies are exceptionally valuable to an architect or owner considering including structural glass in a project. The author describes the full range of issues involved. and provides many direct experiences and insights. Well-written and very readable. Lots of images. drawings. diagrams and explanatory material.
