Books matching: cultural significance
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The True History of Chocolate' by Michael D. Coe and Sophie D. Coe is a thoroughly researched account of the history of chocolate, covering 3800 years of cacao history from its botanical aspects to its consumption in Central America and eventual importation to Europe. The book delves into pre-Colonial Mesoamerican culture, showcasing the authors' extensive research on the Mayans and other cultures in the region. Despite being an academic book, it is noted to be approachable and informative, providing insights not just on chocolate but also on broader historical and cultural aspects.
For a tree that bears seeds of such importance, cacao is singularly difficult to grow. With very few exceptions, it refuses to bear fruit outside a band of 20 degrees north and 20 degrees south of the... - #2
Save:The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore by Shinonome Kijin and Michael Dylan Foster is a comprehensive dive into the world of yokai in Japanese folklore. The book provides a mix of history, theories, and descriptions of various yokai, offering insights into their origins, evolution alongside Japanese culture, and the stories surrounding them. The writing style bridges the gap between academic and lay reading, making it a very readable and informative resource for those interested in learning about yokai.
About fifteen years ago, I lived for a time in a small coastal village in rural Japan, where I was researching a local festival. I rented a rickety old wooden house literally a stone’s throw from the ... 'The Louvre: The Many Lives of the World's Most Famous Museum' by James Gardner delves into the history of the Louvre buildings over the centuries. It provides detailed accounts of the various additions and changes to the structure, offering a comprehensive look at how the building evolved into the renowned museum it is today. The writing style is informative and engaging, focusing on the historical significance of the Louvre rather than the art it houses. Readers appreciated the in-depth exploration of the architecture and the evolution of the museum itself, highlighting the rich history of the building and its role in French culture.
- #4
Save:"Wanderlust: A History of Walking" by Rebecca Solnit is a philosophical and literary exploration of the act of walking. The book delves into the historical, cultural, and philosophical significance of walking, touching on topics such as the relationship between walking and thinking, the impact of property rights and gender on walking, and the evolution of walking in urban spaces. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and literary references, Solnit weaves together a narrative that challenges readers to reconsider the act of walking as more than just a means of transportation.
Where does it start? Muscles tense. One leg a pillar, holding the body upright between the earth and sky. The other a pendulum, swinging from behind. Heel touches down. The whole weight of the body ro... 'The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History' by Kassia St. Clair is a fascinating exploration of the impact of various fabrics on society throughout history. The book weaves together stories of the discovery and invention of different textiles, from ancient silk in China to modern synthetic fabrics. Readers are taken on a journey through time, uncovering the role of fabrics in shaping human culture and civilizations. St. Clair's writing style is described as accessible and engaging, drawing readers into the rich tapestry of textile history with vivid descriptions and insightful perspectives.
The threads that Kvavadze found are invisible to the naked eye, and the objects they were part of disintegrated long ago. Nevertheless, these fibres do allow the curious to get some intriguing glimpse...- #6
Save:'The Game' by Ken Dryden is a captivating exploration of hockey history and culture, focusing on the impact of new rules and the influence of the Soviet hockey team. Through vivid storytelling, Dryden delves into the lives of legendary players from the Montreal Canadiens of the 70s, offering insights into their personalities and playing styles. The book provides a unique perspective on the mental toughness required in professional sports, particularly from a goalie's point of view, while also shedding light on the day-to-day lives of athletes during that era.
I hear something and stir, then squint open my eyes. The room is filled with the morning sun. Sarah, aged four, appears and quickly disappears, shuffling noisily from room to room in her snowsuit, loo... - #7
Save:'Treasury of Egyptian Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Monsters & Mortals' is a beautifully illustrated collection of Egyptian myths that introduces readers to the world of ancient Egypt through captivating stories about gods and goddesses. covers various myths from the creation story to tales of different deities, providing an accessible and informative introduction to Egyptian mythology. The narrative style is engaging, with each story told from the perspective of a different god, adding depth and life to the characters.
not only delves into the myths themselves but also includes additional information about ancient Egyptian culture, practices, and beliefs, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the context in which these myths originated. The illustrations are stunning and complement the stories well, making the book visually appealing and immersive for readers of all ages.
"Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History" by Dan Flores explores the complex relationship between humans and coyotes in North America. Flores delves into the history of the coyote from ancient times, Native American folklore, to the present-day conflicts and interactions with ranchers and the federal government. The writing style is engaging and informative, covering the adaptability and resilience of coyotes, as well as the ongoing efforts to exterminate them.
The months of August and September 1804 loom large in the natural history of North America, and indeed in the history of science worldwide. In the short stretch of three weeks, ascending the Missouri ...- #9
Save:Our Moon by Rebecca Boyle is an intriguing exploration of the relationship between Earth and its celestial companion, the Moon. The narrative takes readers on a journey from the Moon's creation, through its geological history, and into its profound influence on human culture, religion, and civilization. Boyle enthusiastically connects historical events, scientific developments, and cultural shifts, painting the Moon as a source of knowledge and wonder through space and time.
The writing style is engaging and accessible, often reading like a thrilling adventure. Boyle's graceful prose makes complex topics manageable, while her sweeping overview sometimes risked overwhelming readers with information. The book is well-researched, though some readers felt it was bogged down by excess historical detail. Overall, Boyle's account is enlightening and poetic, encouraging readers to view the Moon in a new light.
'The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings' by Jan Harold Brunvand explores various urban legends categorized into different groups such as Automobile, Teenage Horrors, Contaminations, the dead, Dalliance, Nudity, and Nightmares, and media legends. delves into the study of urban legends, their origins, evolution, and interpretations. It also discusses how urban legends are created and spread within society, providing insights into the significance of studying these stories. Despite the informative content, some readers found the writing style to be lacking in accessibility and interest, impacting the overall presentation of the book.
The first chapter of the book establishes foundational information about urban legends, focusing on interpreting these legends with the help of examples like The Boyfriend's Death legend. This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book, offering crucial insights that readers can apply throughout their exploration of urban legends across different chapters. However, some readers felt that the analysis of folktales and urban legends was not as in-depth or scholarly as expected, with criticisms about the amateurish nature of the content and the lack of thorough analysis on certain topics.
We are not aware of our own folklore any more than we are of the grammatical rules of our language. When we follow the ancient practice of informally transmitting “lore”—wisdom, knowledge, or accepted...
