Otzi, the Iceman

by Angelika Fleckinger

This handy guide to the Iceman aims to answer in straightforward prose and colour photographs some of the questions that still surround the Neolithic figure. Beginning with a look at the Iceman's discovery and recovery and its reception by the world's media, Angelika Fleckinger goes on to discuss Ötzi's appearance and health, the reasons for his death (or murder), his clothing, equipment, his life and times. Finally, Fleckinger discusses the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and Ötzi's role as a media figure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Archaeology, History

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Spartacus7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Ötzi, the Iceman, is a fascinating one, and deservedly so.

To distill thousands of pieces of information regarding anthropology, archaeology, history, tool- and cloth-making, scientific evidence and published papers, conservation, geology and climate into a slim, factual volume is quite an achievement...especially when the writing is so clear, logical, and scientifically rigorous.

This isn't dry reading. It's elegant, and complemented by the many fine photos and sketches. Ötzi really does come to life in these pages, from the thousands of years before he was found, his discovery, and up to the present.

No words are wasted, but all information is easily digestible. It's quite a feat of writing.

My one and only (very small) regret is that scale bars aren't placed on some of the micro- and macro-scopic images.

A delightful and informative read.

4.5 stars.

PS You might pick up the occasional new word: Transhumance. Styptic. And so on. A small glossary at the back covers many of them.

[nils.lbrcht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein sehr interessantes und informatives Buch über Ötzi, dem Mann aus dem Eis!
Kann ich nur jedem empfehlen, der sich dafür interessiert!

[Ela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea Fleckinger gilt als Expertin im Bereich Ötzi. Dies merkt man ihrem kleinen Büchlein über dem Mann im Eis auch an. In einfacher Sprache erklärt sie die Sachverhalte rund um Ötzi und führt teilweise auch allgemeine Informationen zur Steinzeit aus. Durch dieses Buch gewinnt man einen guten Überblick, wenn man sich näher über Ötzi infomieren will. Des Weiteren gibt die Autorin Buchtipps und erlärt in einem kurzen Glossar wichtige Fachbegriffe. Das Buch ist sowohl für Erwachsene als auch Jugendliche gut geeignet, da die verwendeten Bilder nicht vergleichbar mit gruseligen Bilder anderer Fachliteratur zu vergleichen sind.

Einziges Manko, manche Fragen werden noch nicht beantwortet und zum Teil sind manche Bereiche so kurz und knapp formuliert, dass ich mir wenig darunter vorstellen konnte. Des Weiteren werden manche Bereiche immer wieder aufgegriffen, wodurch der rote Faden etwas leidet.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been fascinated by the Iceman ever since I learned of his discovery in 1991. I watched both Nova films and finally made it to Bolzano—a delightful town—this summer as part of a vacation in the Alps. After exploring the fascinating exhibits in the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology, I purchased this well written and well organized book on Otzi. It summarizes the events of his discovery, what is known about his life and the possessions found with his 5000 year old mummified body. A few paragraphs accompanied by high quality, color photos cover each subject in an easy-to-read format. Scientific references and a bibliography provide opportunities for deeper study.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of the discovery of the remains of an Iron Age man, who was found in the mountains on the Austrian-Italian border. Scientists were able to analyze what he ate, the injuries that killed him, the construction of his clothes and other details about a hunter who lived more than 6,000 years ago. Book filled with photos and maps. Great short read.

[Zizi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otzi ^_^

[Lindi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not inspire me to much because I don't like to read Historical books that much.This book talked about what Otzi was wearing,and what the clothes were made out of,and most importantly his tools so he could get food and make things. You mite like this book so go ahead and read it.

[Kali · Rating 3 out of 5]

basicly about um and 500 hundered year old person who was still perserves by SNOW!! Pretty amazing, the snow has perserved him and his weaponds and clothes...and even skin!!!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otzi was a good book! It gave you information about a long time ago that was really interestering! Otzi otherwise know as the iceman is in a museum right now!

[Duntay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a wee souvenir of Bolzano - it is a bit outdated now, though, as more facts have come to light.

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little book covering all kinds of subjects investigated in and around what is probably the biggest archaeological find in history. Not to be missed.