New Light on Hampi: Recent Research at Vijayanagara [Hardcover]

George Michell (Editor), John M. Fritz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2001

New insights into the understanding of this increasingly visited UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 156 pages
• Publisher: Marg Foundation (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 818502653X
• ISBN-13: 978-8185026534
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 9.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,691,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to archaeological issues, September 8, 2009

By 

Daniel Zeilhofer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Light on Hampi: Recent Research at Vijayanagara (Hardcover)

In contrast to the other reviewer (did he/she read that book?) I strongly recommend "New Light on Hampi". It is an easy readible (at least to any person really interested in south asian art) and reliable introduction to some actual archaeological questions concerning the architecture, sculptural art, hydraulic works and urban layout of Vijayanagara, the famous capital of the late-medieval, last hindu-empire. ("Hampi" is the name of a modern village and pilgimage centre situated in the archaeological zone.) The authors are highly experienced scholars who are trained on archaeology, art history, anthropology and even astrophysics. Among them are the editors, John M. Fritz and George Michell, who since decades are in the front line of the research and fieldwork at Vijayanagara.
The text shows a modern and adequate approach to archaeological questions since not only buildings like temples, palaces, city walls are mentioned but also questions of the everyday life like water supply, irrigation and settlements. The book is not restricted to the archaeological zone proper but reviews Vijayanagara as part of its larger metropolitan area.
The fine pictures by Clare Arni included in this book are as much informing as they invite to visit Vijayanagara.
A short bibliography of english publications since 1980 gives some suggestions for further reading.
Readers looking for some practical guide book better choose other titles about Vijayanagara: That is not the purpose of the reviewed book.
("Editorial": Sorry for any mistakes or stylistic uncertainties since I'm German...!)

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Poorly written book, January 1, 2008

By 

Deep Thoughts (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Light on Hampi: Recent Research at Vijayanagara (Hardcover)

A fantastic topic spoilt by poor writing skills. No clue what the author is after. Diagrams in the book are so arcane. It is hard to make any sense of the book unless you have visited Hampi. Photography is also not upto the mark. Although the production quality of the book (quality of paper used, bind etc.) is quite good.


Save your money - buy some other book instead.