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4th out of 151 books
—
50 voters
Beautiful Death: Art of the Cemetery
by
Dean Koontz
In the spirit of Halloween comes a compelling meditation on mortality by an evocative world-class photographer and by the bestselling master of the mystery thriller. From the history of the 19th century European municipal cemetery to the grave of an Italian couple whom "death shall not divide, " Beautiful Death is a many-faceted tribute to an eternally fascinating subject....more
Hardcover, 176 pages
Published
October 1st 1996
by Studio
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This is basically a coffee-table book, full of beautiful photographs of European gravesites, divided into regional sections.
I was struck by the differences that there were in memorializing the dead among the different sectors of ethnicity; something that the photographer actually mentions at the end of the book as he describes what he looked for in order to create an interesting tableau.
As part of my genealogy hobby, I take gravesite photographs for people who are unable to do it for themselves,...more
I was struck by the differences that there were in memorializing the dead among the different sectors of ethnicity; something that the photographer actually mentions at the end of the book as he describes what he looked for in order to create an interesting tableau.
As part of my genealogy hobby, I take gravesite photographs for people who are unable to do it for themselves,...more
This odd book is put together backwards. Rather than open with Robinson’s explanation of what he was doing taking these photographs (and his rambling explanation of why the book is called “Beautiful Death”), the book begins with an essay by Dean Koontz. Koontz seems to have glanced over the photos before he began to write, but the subject of his text -- the loss of his long-suffering mother and the final, blessed end to his abusive father -- bears no connection with the pictures of sentimental...more
This was an awesome book, not at all macabre as one would think given the subject matter, although rightfully poignant. The photography was nothing less than beautiful and very respectful to its subjects. I've never read a Dean Koontz novel before but his contribution to this book was so wonderful, I may have to check out some of his other works in the future. I especially loved his story about receiving the phone call from his mom, telling his to be careful......*ugh* gave me goosebumps but it...more
Capturing a work of art (in this case sculptures) using photography can be somewhat challenging. David Robinson does an excellent job of portraying the beauty of cemetery art, while making art of his own. Originally I found this book at my local library some years ago and fell in love with it. Eventually I bought it and many photos inspired me in a series of paintings I did that year.
so back when i was a retarded pretentious teenager, i would go to all the local graveyards and take artsy black and white photos of the gravestones like im walker fucking evans instead of some stupid blue-haired kid with a crappy camera. but here - here is a book that has some really nice photos of gravestones. its really beautiful, but you should see mine...
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Primarily photographs by David Robinson, with an opening essay by Dean Koontz. Lovely art photos, but not a book you'll look to if you want to track down the exact location (or history, or name of anyone in the tombs) of any of these graves beyond the cemetery where they're located.
Shows what graveyards look like in different parts of the world and unusual/ ornate statues/ monuments. Not overly impressed with the writing or the way the book was organized.
Nothing makes me want to go to Paris with some infrared film like this book always does!
This is mainly a large picture book of cemetery art. The images are beautiful.
I am just mad I didn't do this first! ;)
Narrative by Dean Koontz
This is a picture book (sans words except for the introduction) that goes shows cemetary statuary and other art from various European countries. It was very pretty, moving, and not sad at all. I do wish it had more explanations about what I was looking at.
This is more of a coffee table book, but it's perfect for those of us that feel at home in cemeteries. It is an absolutely beautiful book with photos of some of the most glorious monuments I have ever seen!
Its interesting. Not at all what I expected. I would have liked more history and background. Pictures were nice.
Aug 28, 2007
Kim Tackitt
marked it as to-read
This sounds fascinating.
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Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the na...more
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Dean R. Koontz has also published under the na...more
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