Books for/about - museum

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs: Official Companion Book to the Exhibition sponsored by National Geographic

Publisher: National Geographic
Authors: Zahi Hawass

ISBN: 0792238737
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Summary: Zahi Hawass brings it all to life with fascinating detail
King Tut died around 1350 BC. and theories on the cause of death range from a hunting accident to murder. X-rays revealed signs of a blow to the back of his head, however. After his tomb was found in 1922, his death mask and golden coffin became among the most famous Egyptian artifacts in the world. The teenage king of ancient Egypt is best-known by his golden death mask. But a fiberglass reconstruction of Tutankhamen based on computer models generated X-rays in 1969 of his mummified corpse bear little resemblance to the golden funeral mask found in the pharaoh's tomb. But Tut's mummified head was too dried and sunken to give life-like dimensions for the reconstruction team said National Geographic.

Gorgeous new photos show that unlike the famous bust of a slight, heavy-lipped teenager framed in a pharaoh's headdress, Tut was a wide-faced young man with high cheekbones, smaller eyes and a heavy brow. National Geographic's special effects artists used digital technology and forensic techniques to come up with the new likeness of the boy king. National Geographic's scientists also concluded the X-rays showed Tut probably suffered from a spinal disorder that fused together vertebrae in his neck, causing him to walk with a cane. This book is a marvelous analysis of the life and times of Tutankhamen, presented by no better an authority than National Geographic. This book is a beautifully exhibited guide to the boy king. Gorgeous full-color photographs captures brilliantly the world renowned exhibit. Zahi Hawass brings it all to life with fascinating detail.

Summary: The Original King of Bling
Tutankhamen makes the Crown Jewels look like costume jewelry. I saw the exhibit in Fort Lauderdale, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everywhere you look there's another 3500-year-old masterpiece crusted with gold and jewels, and Tut was just one of many Pharaohs - they all received this kind of treatment.

This book is the official exhibition catalog, and a very nicely-done catalog at that. It is more like one of those slick coffee-table books with big color prints on every other page than most museum catalogs I have seen. Since they don't allow picture-taking in the exhibition, the only way to bring some memories home with you is to buy the catalog - which costs $!

My recommendation... I bought a copy right here on Amazon for $ including the shipping, which is less than what I would have paid to buy, shoot, and develop a couple rolls of film. So, I'm pretty happy w/ the book.

Overall, I give the exhibit and the people who made this possible my highest rating - a double-thumbs-up-gold-and-jewel-encrusted-five-stars!!!

Oh, and may thy Ka live forever!

Summary: Golden Boy
This book is beautifully presented (check out the binding under the dust cover) with glorious photographs throughout. The text is clear, extremely informative and easily understood. The book is packed with information about the items which are on Exhibition sponsored by National Geographic. I love Egyptian art and design and was not disappointed with this book. Young Tut's facial appearance has been recreated by modern technology and there are photographs of a now latex Golden Boy on the dust cover and also inside. It quite took me aback. He looks remarkably like Boy George of Culture Club fame, as was, and if you don't believe me, check it out!

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The Da Vinci Code

Publisher: Doubleday
Authors: Dan Brown

ISBN: 0385504209
List Price: $24.95
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Summary: Some things really make you think!
It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with the contents of The DaVinci Code ... it was well written and flowed nicely. Though there were so many things mentioned in the book, that really got me thinking, not to mention gave great topics to conversation with son and boyfriend.

I can't wait to read his other books ... he's well thought out and interesing.

Summary: An Excellent Read
What an excellent read. I loved having the paperback, because I read this before and during my travels to Europe. How fun it was to recognize several of the places Dan Brown writes about in his book, and see the historic buildings and streets that the characters experienced their adventures on. It is obvious he has done his research of the locations where the story takes place, and also extensive research of the history of Christianity.

I couldn't put this book down. Even if you don't agree whether the content is true, it is so well-written you can't wait to get back to finding out what happens next. Read this book with an open mind, and it may just change the way you look at the world for the better. It did mine.

Summary: Haiku Review - 3 1/2 stars
A hyped-up novel
Is it as good as they say?
Not quite, but not bad

Summary:

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	From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Publisher: Aladdin Authors: E.L. Konigsburg
ISBN: 0689711816 List Price: $5.99 Amazon Price: $5.99 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: A Must Read (or Listen) This book is a wonderful story for all ages. We like to take the audio version on car trips as it engages, and is appropriate for, all listeners. Summary: A Good Book I know I'm under 13, but bear with me, please! I am a very avid reader, but this will go down in MY book. It contianed a good amount of excitement and all that other good stuff. If you have started reading semi-classic books and enjoyed them , this is for you. Get it in paperback, too, because its not worth almost doubling the price to get a stronger cover. Great buy! Summary: Half of an exceptional novel Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home and take up residence at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they investigate the mystery of a statue that may be a genuine Michaelangelo. This book has a lot going for it. The interaction between the siblings is entertaining and believeable, and the details of living in a museum and avoiding detection are interesting. Having established these effective characters and situation, however, author EL Konigsberg failed to come up with absorbing plot developments. I never cared about either the statue or Mrs. Frankweiler. Therefore, I lost interest in the novel about halfway through. Summary:

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The Oversoul Seven Trilogy: The Education of Oversoul Seven, the Further Education of Oversoul Seven, Oversoul Seven and the Museum of Time

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing
Authors: Jane Roberts

ISBN: 1878424173
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Cosmic fun!
Read this and you will never be the same again! Unlike anything else I have ever read, the Oversoul 7 trilogy stands alone, and in my top 5 books of all time. Cosmic truths presented in fictional format, but NOT cheesy or contrived like most 'New Age fiction.' You know what I mean - those books that have a story just to provide an excuse for New Age preaching. blech. It's great when it works, but it rarely works. Well this time it works! Jane Roberts pulls it off, and pulls it off quite well!

Read Oversoul and your dreams will come alive. You will look at every sunflake with new appreciation. Your sense of time and space will be forever altered. You will grasp at last the paradox of nonlinear time (ie, 'time travel'). You will meet unforgettable characters and remember them fondly many years later (the hallmark of a great book). And, you'll have fun reading it.

Summary: Oversoul Seven
I am an avid reader (although usually of non-fiction books), and I was completely taken in by this work of "fiction"! In fact, I read the entire trilogy (nearly 600 pages) in just a few days!

I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the metaphysical. Although it's fiction, I believe it shares some of the "real" views of the author - apparently obtained during her messages from Seth (I haven't yet read her "Seth" books yet, so I can't be certain about this).

Basically, this is a story about the journey & subsequent learning of a non-physical being - oversoul seven, and his many teachers along the way. It is beautifully written, and such a page turner, that I only wished there was more stories of the adventures of this quirky soul.

If you are at all interested in the "metaphysical", or enjoy this authors books re: Seth, I would highly recommend "The Oversoul Seven Trilogy" - the author presents some of the most difficult of concepts in an easy, enjoyable way. I can't speak highly enough about this book!

Summary: Excellent Work of "Fiction"
What is a Higher Self, or Oversoul?

The adventures of oversoul Seven in this trilogy are totally built upon the superb revelations Jane received regarding the nature of time, dreams and probable realities, from her future self, Seth, who during the 1960s and 1970s channeled a torrent of original and rather complex metaphysical eye-openers to whoever was ready to listen.

The story sheds its light upon the Seth's books, and vice versa. Prior familiarity with Seth Speaks, Jane Roberts' masterwork, will prepare the reader for a better understanding of these books. Similarly after reading Oversoul Seven the reader can then have a better understanding of Seth's teachings.

Jane gives the idea the Oversoul or Higher Self is the creator or "mother" of numerous personalities who exist in diverse locations in separate time periods along human history. Then this oversoul needs its personalities' experiences to gradually build up its own emotional freedom.

From the oversoul point of view, time is simultaneous; from the personality standpoint; immersed in the illusion of clocks, calendars, and all sorts of limitations: time appears as linear giving the impression of being real.

Dreams, out of body travel, probable realities, and the simultaneity of encarnations and time are better understood after reading these remarkable novels.

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PassPorter Walt Disney World Resort 2006: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake! (Passporter Walt Disney World Resort)

Publisher: PassPorter Travel Press
Authors: Jennifer Marx Dave Marx Allison Cerel Marx

ISBN: 1587710277
List Price: $21.95
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Summary: Disney Vacationer's Bible
I got this book for Christmas and I loved it. It is full of helpful info, tips, and pictures. It also has detailed descriptions of every single attraction, eatery, and hotel on property. it also contains info on things outside Disney World. There is a list of a lot of helpful websites, color maps of every park, it also has info on secret tips and places in WDW. There are also spaces to write phone numbers, itineraries, personal trip info, autographs from characters, and more. My favorite feature is the passpockets at the back of the book. They are journal pages where you fill in questions such as:"The most magical part of our day was..." or "The funniest part of our day was..." it also asks questions like what time did you wake up or the weather and attractions you went on. They are made of heavy paper and you can stick things in the pocket like tickets, receipts, and photos. I think it is the best disney guidebook I've ever seen. If you have never been to disney this book is even better for first timers. I wish there was a whole series for other travel destinations.

Summary: Passporter is a must have!
I love WDW, and purchase many travel guides a year. The passporter is a great addition to my Disney library. I love the format, the ratings and descriptions. For me the comparisions of the ratings for Dave, Allison, and the readers was the most valuable tool. I love being able to see the different opionions as well as the teen and toddler tips which were a great addition that you cannot find in alot of travel guides. For a first time planner this is the must have guide and will walk you thru the process of planning a great WDW vacation in no time.

Summary: great organizer
I have to have my trip organized and this book is a must have for my Disney Trips! Everything is right at your finger tips in this book from tickets to dinning confirmations to coupons for saving. It has daily planning pages and pockets to hold things right in the book.

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	The Medici Conspiracy: The Illicit Journey of Looted Antiquities--From Italy's Tomb Raiders to the World's Greatest Museums Publisher: PublicAffairs Authors: Peter Watson Cecelia Todeschini
ISBN: 1586484028 List Price: $26.95 Amazon Price: $16.98 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: Medici Conspiracy Fascinating and Exiting, if you are at all interested in Arts and Antiquities. Never would have thought that our top museums and auction houses are part of the conspiracy (ie. The Getty, The Met, Sothbys etc.). Summary: Exciting, Definitive Review of the Looting of Italy's Archaeological Treasures "The Medici Conspiracy: The Illicit Journey of Looted Antiquities From Italy's Tomb Raiders to the World's Greatest Museums" reads like a contemporary page-turning crime thriller, but recounts a saga that is all too true, revealing a thirty-year old conspiracy which looted many of Italy's most important archaeological sites merely to satisfy the insatiable appetites of greedy American and European collectors and museum curators whose interest was solely in getting the best pieces possible for their collections, whatever the cost to their personal integrity and academic reputations. Peter Watson, Research Associate, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge, and Cecilia Todeschini, a researcher and translator, have written a passionate, provocate look at the looting of archaeological sites, which should be regarded as the definitive examination of this sordid issue. Their insightful work of nonfiction covers the successful exploits of the Italian Carabineri Art Squad investigation code-named "Operation Geryon" that has led to the successful prosecution of Italian antiquities "dealer" (a more apt description would be professional thief) Giacomo Medici, and the ongoing trials of his American colleague Robert Hecht, and disgraced former Getty Museum curator Marion True (Both of them have received ample publicity in The New York Times, Washington Post, and elsewhere.). The authors also - I believe - note correctly the scandalous behavior of many major European and American museums in acquiring antiquities of dubious or unknown provenance (This means that these objects were most likely excavated illegally by the Tombaroli (Tomb Robbers) on behalf of Hecht, Medici and others of their ilk.), of which two of the worst offenders include New York City's venerable Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Getty Museum near Los Angeles (It is no exaggeration to surmise that the Getty Museum's antiquities collection is based almost entirely on loot; a point which the authors return to frequently.). They also strongly condemn the actions of major auction houses like Christie's, Bonham's, and especially Sotheby's, for aiding and abetting the lucrative illicit trade in stolen antiquities. "The Medici Conspiracy" also tells the true story of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's acquisition of the Euphronios krater (two-handled Classical Greek vase) - a story which has yet to be told fully by The New York Times - which both opens and closes this book. To the authors' everlasting credit, they recount the courageous actions of a young Metropolitan Museum of Art curator of Ancient Near East Art, Oscar W. Muscarella, who strongly objected to the museum's purchase of this vase from dealer Robert Hecht, recognizing that this important object had been excavated illegally from an Etruscan tomb in central Italy. For displaying such courage, Muscarella was fired three times (Only the third time was related directly to the Metropolitan Museum's acquisition of the Euphronios krater; one of the other instances was due to Muscarella's campaigning for equal pay to be granted to the museum's female employees.) by Thomas Hoving, the Metropolitan's director, and sued the museum successfully, before he was finally reinstated as a tenured associate curator in 1977 (A year later, Muscarella was given the unique position of Senior Research Fellow, a title which he holds still at the museum.). More than thirty years after Muscarella strongly voiced his objections, he finally seems to have been vindicated, with the ongoing trial of Robert Hecht, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's commitment to return the vase to Italy sometime in the next year or two (A distinguished alumnus of our high school, Muscarella is widely well regarded for his excellent scholarship on the archaeology of Anatolia (Western Turkey) in the First Millenium, B. C., was a visiting professor at Brown University, and has lectured often at Brown and elsewhere around the globe.). I have a unique perspective on this issue given a longstanding interest in the relationship between commercial fossil collectors and professional paleontologists. You could substitute "fossil" for "antiquities" and obtain a sordid view of commercial fossil collecting that isn't too far removed from the authors' depiction of the "Medici Conspiracy" (But thankfully, there is better cooperation between some commercial fossil collectors and professional paleontologists; one notable example is the excellent relationship which the Black Hills Institute for Geological Research - the commercial collecting firm that excavated "Sue", the female Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton owned by McDonald's and displayed at Chicago's Field Museum - has fostered with distinguished invertebrate paleontologists from the United States Geological Survey and the American Museum of Natural History.). I strongly commend Public Affairs for recognizing the importance of "The Medici Conspiracy" by publishing this definitive tome. It is indeed definitive since the illicit global trading of antiquities is regrettably a cultural crime against humanity; it is the most comprehensive examination I have come across on this illicit trade. Anyone who is interested in art, antiquities, museum collections, and private collections should definitely buy this book soon. I promise, you won't be disappointed. Summary: The Medici Conspiracy While the topic is very interesting, I thought some points were overly labored. Summary:

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The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World

Publisher: Disney Editions
Authors: The Imagineers Alex Wright

ISBN: 0786848863
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Summary: Interesting but not in depth.
While it has a lot of information, I guess I was expecting more about Epcot attactions themselves rather than what went into the concepts about Epcot. Everything is more about concepts, but broad strokes without a lot of facts or numbers. Even the discussions about how things got off the drawing board aren't exactly intriguing to the point you say "Hmmm, that's interesting".

For instance, the coverage regarding Mission Space is like 2 pages. And with the small size of the book, that is pretty small. I would have hoped that there would have been some information about how they came up with the concept or about the mechanics of the whole ride. Instead, it was more like reading about someone thinking out loud about it and not very indepth. For a ride that costs in the hundreds of millions, I find it hard to believe that this is all they have for us.

Froced perspective seems to be about the only topic that gets in depth coverage from attraction to attraction. Yes, we know!! We get it!! All the buildings are built with forced perspective. Never heard that one before :)

I guess what you can say is that if it was written by Imagineers, the engineering discussions are quite light and its heavy on artistic concepts.

Neat and an interesting book overall. But I don't think it compares to the previous Magic Kindom guide by the Imagineers. I bought that one and I guess I was expecting more of that kind of information and facts.

Summary: The inside story on my favorite Disney theme park:
Okay, this book doesn't reveal EVERYTHING--anybody want to sit through a few years of algebra and other basic engineering courses? The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World opens by descibing what an Imagineer is and does. The many disciplines are mentioned, and there is a helpful glossery in the front. The next chapter is an overview and history of Epcot (my favorite Disney theme park). The remaining chapters are: Future World Center, Future World East, Future World West, and World Showcase. In each chapter, the Imagineers describe the concept for that section of Epcot and how they developed the concept into the attractions.

A theme park is more than thrill rides--a theme park is an integrated set of stories. Colors, lighting, textures, shapes, props, scents, sounds, and even the pavement are all used to tell a story. How many shades of white are present at the American Adventure? (See pages 98-99) Why four shades instead of just one? How is forced prospective used at the American Adventure to promote realism? (Page 103) Canada and Mexico are the "bookends" to the World Showcase--see Page 95 to see what they flanked in the concept stage, and why that object moved.

Spaceship Earth evokes the 1939 World's Fair (page 31) and traces the development of communications. Page 37 reveals why Florida's frequent rainstorms don't stream down the sides of Spaceship Earth. Speaking of space, Mission:Space is described on pages 48-50.

A brief bibliography is on Page 128, and a graphic index of sorts is on the back cover. I really need my bibliographies and indexes!

I intend using "The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World" on my next Walt Disney World visit to see Epcot through the eyes of the Imagineers.

Summary: Interesting facts about Epcot
I also have the Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom - this one is similar. A good book to pick up when you only want to read a bit at a time. Interesting facts, some of which I didn't know.

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The History of Pirates

Publisher: The Lyons Press
Authors: Angus Konstam Virginia Mariners Museum David Cordingly

ISBN: 1585745162
List Price: $19.95
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: A very well rounded review of pirate biographies
This book is heavy on the illustrations. That being said, it is NOT necessarily light on information.

In particular, I was VERY pleased with how well balanced the very subject of pirate biographies was treated. There are sections of the book dedicated to each major geographical region, as well as to different time periods.

It lightly glosses over the subjects of ships, weaponry, practices, flags, and strongholds (for better coverage of these things, try Benerson Little's Sea Rover's Practice), but gives a great deal of general biographical information on many different famous pirates from the Indian Ocean, Far East, Caribbean, and even on back into the "Ancient World."

For general reference in a well-balanced delivery, with plenty of attention given to other-than-Caribbean and other-than-late-17th-century piracy, I recommend no other book more.

Summary: A powerful visual impact
Angus Konstam's HISTORY OF PIRATES uses works from the Mariners' Museum in Virginia to provide a powerful visual impact. Piracy from ancient to modern times is surveyed in a series of maps, images, and discussions that cover specific events, regions, and pirates. Plenty of historical and political background to the events place each in perspective and provide an excellent survey of mariner events of the times. There are other pirate histories on the market - but none with the commitment to visuals of HISTORY OF PIRATES.

Summary: Arrr! Fascinating!
Well, mateys...This book has no intention to kill your stereotypes (AVAST!). Burried treasures? Parrots? Hooks? Everything you've heard about existed in the real world of piracy in some form.
As a base. As a reference material. As a historical work. "The History of Pirates" is something you can either consult to receive INFORMATION, or read in the light of a lamp, drinking OLD whisky/rum as a book of adventures.
In for enriching your mind? In for quality organization of an encyclopedia and magnetism of a novel? This is your chance. Bravo, Angus. Bravo!

Alex "Kain" Tovpeko

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