Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places Series) [Hardcover]

Michael D. Coe (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ancient Peoples and Places | Publication Date: October 27, 2003

The Classic-period kings ruled over the Khmer empire from 802AD for more than five centuries, and this volume examines the massive architectural achievements of this period, including the huge capital city of Angkor, with the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure. It also draws attention to the imperial road system that bound together the region's provincial centres. The gigantic hydraulic system, still a source of controversy, is believed by many to have provided the agricultural basis of Angkor's grandeur and power, and its nature and function are discussed here. The final chapter describes the post-Classical period that set the stage for the entry of the Khmer into the modern era.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Brings a new perspective to studies of the great civilization of Angkor. -- Roland Fletcher, director of the Greater Angkor Project

The best account of Angkor available in English...takes the reader on a panoramic tour of Cambodian history. -- Ben Kiernan, author of The Pol Pot Regime --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Michael D. Coe is Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University. Among his many other books are The Maya, Breaking the Maya Code, Reading the Maya Glyphs, Mexico and, with Sophie Coe, The True History of Chocolate.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (October 27, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500021171
• ISBN-13: 978-0500021170
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #856,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University, Michael D. Coe is a specialist in the comparative study of ancient, tropical forest civilizations. Coe's books include The Maya, Mexico, The True History of Chocolate, Breaking the Maya Code, Reading the Maya Glyphs, and Angkor and the Khmer Civilization.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Angkor and the Khmer Civilization, November 15, 2003

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Michael Gunther (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places Series) (Hardcover)

The great Khmer Empire, best known for its astonishing temples at Angkor, has long fascinated visitors, arm-chair tourists, and scholars alike. In his new book, "Angkor and the Khmer Civilization," archaeologist Michael Coe has written what I believe is, simply, the best current (2003) presentation of the history and culture of this wonderful (literally: full of wonders) ancient civilization. Reading Coe's book is like having a delightful one-on-one conversation with a first-rate thinker, scholar, and teacher. Coe's writing is superbly well-organized, logical, fascinating, concise, and comprehensive. The book is enhanced by numerous high-quality photo illustrations and maps, fully referenced bibliography and notes, and a better-than-average topical index.

Most importantly, this book is obviously a labor of love. Coe, a well-known Mayanist, returns here to his first love, the archaeology of southeast Asia; although political circumstances (e.g.: the Vietnam War, the Pol Pot regime) prevented him from digging in the field, Coe has mastered the literature and walked the sites; his book illuminates the full chronological sweep of Khmer history and culture, from its prehistoric beginnings through the post-Classic period, as never before. It is intellectually exciting, a pleasure to read, and sure to delight anyone from the casual tourist to the experienced professional. Put it together with Freeman and Jacques' "Ancient Angkor," and you have the perfect companions for your next trip to Angkor.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Research Text, October 10, 2005

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T. Sullivan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places) (Paperback)

The most thoroughly researched text that I found regarding the temples and historic context of the "Classic" Khmer period. Not the best guide once you get to the site -- that would be Laur's illustrated guide. If you miss the boat on ordering both of these texts prior to your trip, you can get them both in the bookstore in Seim Reap. Some of the street vendors at the temples peddle illegal copies of the Coe book. Info as of 10/05.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A College Student's Review, November 1, 2006

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Bobby Chavez "ataxia" (Whittier, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places) (Paperback)

Coe reaches surprisingly far in his pre-historical research. His findings are highly informative, and he conducted research beginning with the earliest traces of civilization in Cambodia. While at first this may seem to hold less relevance than a discussion of more modern times, he successfully seams different eras in Khmer civilization together, so that one understands Khmer history as a smoothly flowing story. In his descriptions of Khmer culture and artifacts, it is clear that Coe is steeped in anthropological and archeological knowledge, and he succeeds in his goal of providing such information clearly.
His style of writing is very clear and refreshing. It allows the reader to easily take in the vast information he presents. At just under two-hundred-fifty pages, Coe provides an abundance of information clearly and concisely. His writing is not dry or verbose, words that are all too often used to describe historical texts. Angkor presents all the information that an historical scholar could hope for, without presenting it in a lifeless manner.