Odyssey Guide to Angkor: An Introduction to the Temples

by Dawn F. Rooney

The great legacy of the ancient Khmer civilization, the temples of Angkor, cover an area of 77 square miles in central Cambodia. These monuments, built between the ninth and 15th centuries - the classic period of Khmer art - are unrivaled in architectural greatness. They are, undoubtedly, one of the wonders of the world, astounding in their splendor and evoking a real sense of awe. The book is divided into three sections. The first contains background information on Khmer history, religious beliefs and legends depicted on the bas-reliefs, as well as descriptions of the decorations and architectural features. The second part is a detailed, monument-by-monument guide to the sites, including detailed maps and plans, while the third has all the practical information needed by the visitor for staying and getting around in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

* Excellent guide to one of the Wonders of the World
* Comprehensive historical and cultural background
* Detailed architectural descriptions
* Complete survey of all the temples
* Background to Khmer religious traditions
* Profusely illustrated with color photographs and temple diagrams
* Extensive bibliography

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, History, Art, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Fred Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide book and history. I tend to skim these books before I travel and in more depth after, it helps to seat the memory and I understand the book better then. I was in Angkor in June, it was an amazing and wonderful place. The scope of the temples and overall Khmer empire at that time, (9th - 12th century) was very extensive, and not well understood here in the West. The book could use more pictures though. I also bought a cheap guidebook from a tout and that was also helpful. But this book has extensive history and background.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best travel guides I have ever had in my hands (full disclosure: I am a fanatic when it comes to ancient cultures, something not every reader will share). Where to start? Rooney, a PhD in art history, offers a detailed description of all major and minor temples, suggested paths to explore them, and fascinating background info. Each temple is shown in a photograph, a drawn map is provided, and all relevant info given in a concise way (i.e., time built, period, king, religion). This is not your typical Lonely Planet or Rough Guide. This is a thick, heavy book for those interested in diving into the culture and history of one of the wonders of the world. When my girlfriend and I spent 7 days in Siam Reap, we relied on this book to select the sites most interesting to us. The author groups temples in half-day visits in order to allow the visitor to plan her time better - a very smart approach as most people are overwhelmed by the sheer number of possible temples and regrettably just follow the standard tourist routes (Small and Grand Tour Circuit). With Rooney's book in your hands, you don't need a human guide anymore, just a tuktuk driver or a rented mountain bike to carry you around.
The book offers so much more, though. While probably designed as an after-thought, Rooney provides hotel and restaurant recommendations for both Siam Reap and Phnom-Penh. We found them to be more accurate than a second travel guide on Cambodia that we had brought along. We also have to credit Rooney to encourage us to visit the wonderful capital of Phnom Penh and its spectacular National Museum BEFORE heading out to the temples. There was no better introduction into the Khmer life than wandering through the museum in Phom Penh.
Most visitors come only once in their life to Siam Reap to explore the temples. Most regret spending only a few days there. If you are blessed to be able to visit the temples, do it right - take Rooney's guide with you in order to really get your arms around the Khmer culture and explore exciting smaller temples many tourist fail to visit.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know that I can write a fair review of this book with having been to Angkor, but I'll do what I can for now. I don't like walking around sites with a guidebook, so I decided to read this book before my visit to Angkor. It has tons of information on the history of Angkor, the religious motifs found in the artwork, and the method of construction. There is also good, practical information about each temple/ancient site.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly imformative book on all the temples in Angkor. Also includes the history of Angkor and background of the different Hindu gods seen in many of the bas reliefs in the temples.

Read it before you visit each temple and keep it handy while you're there.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting overview of history, religion and life at Angkor during the 6th - 15th centuries as well as the construction and designs of the temples. Also has beautiful photos - and detailed itineraries that I look forward to using on my upcoming trip to find apsaras, nagas and gopuras galore!

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very useful to have on hand while touring the temples of the ancient Khmer civilization. Its section on practical travel information is a bit skimpy tough, and more importantly, it doesn't provide an editorial point of view relative to which temples might be the most important to see.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A substantial book, well worth your time. Read as much as you can prior to a visit to Siem Reap; then read more after you've visited.

[Blysse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful primer for a trip to Angkor, incorporating history, archeology, mythology, religion and architecture.

[Ana-Maria Bujor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful guide for visiting Angkor. I had it with me while walking around the temples and it helped me look for thigs I would have otherwise missed. The cultural, historical, and artistic aspects are detailed and deepened my understanding, while the photographs and the quality overall make it a great souvenir of the visit.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3 stars for the beautiful photographs and the excellent details. I didn't read it all the way through but the parts I skimmed were well done.

[David Iverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In depth account of ruins throughout cambodia, many of which I never knew...

[Pam Ela · Rating 2 out of 5]

You hae to be totaly interesred in all aspects of the Angkor ruins. It is really indepth but not for casual reading.

[Akira Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend everyone to read this book before your visit to Angkor wat, Cambodia. Really good travel information and history

[Gina Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

guide to angkor wat

[Gentian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough guide to the temples, their history and construction.

[Krittika Mittal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very detailed and very well written. The pictures supporting all the text are beautiful. If you're planning a trip to Cambodia, this is just the book for you. Do read!

[Lasiayang]

i like old temple