Etruscan Life and Afterlife: A Handbook of Etruscan Studies [Paperback]

Larissa Bonfante (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0814318134 | ISBN-13: 978-0814318133 | Publication Date: August 1986

An authoritative synthesis of Etruscan studies from eight internationally known scholars.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In a series of lively and authoritative essays, eight internationally known scholars present a portrait of the wealthy, sophisticated Etruscans, whose territory once extended from the Po River to the Bay of Naples. Once considered to be lost to history, the Etruscan civilization is reemerging into focus because of recent archaeological discoveries and new trends in interpretation.

The eminent Etruscan scholar Larissa Bonfante and her seven colleagues synthesize these new findings and theories each according to his or her discipline. A primer on Etruscan language is included to help newcomers decipher the inscriptions on many of the monuments illustrated in the book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 289 pages
• Publisher: Wayne State Univ Pr (August 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814318134
• ISBN-13: 978-0814318133
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #145,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide through the culture, history and religion of the Etruscans, May 13, 2011

By 

Joseph Galascione - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Etruscan Life and Afterlife: A Handbook of Etruscan Studies (Paperback)

I purchased this book after noticing Larissa Bonafante as the author. As probably the most respected expert on the Etruscans in America I was expecting a highly informative book, though feared it may be too academic for my tastes. However, my fears were dashed as this guidebook was a beautiful companion through the history, myth and culture of the mysterious Etruscans. Every aspect of their wonderful culture is analyzed while bringing every piece of archaeological evidence possible to the discussion. I greatly enjoyed hearing of the differences of Etruscan myths and religion to that of the Greek and Roman pantheon. Too frequently the religion of the ancient Italic people is quickly brushed aside as being copies of their Greek neighbors. Larissa and her group of experts disprove that falsehood as well as many others along the way. If you have even the slightest interest in the enigmatic people who were the true bringers of civilization and refinement to the peninsula of Italia I cannot recommend this book enough.