The Past From Above: Aerial Photographs of Archaeological Sites [Hardcover]

Charlotte Trï¿1/2mpler (Editor), Georg Gerster (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum | Publication Date: July 11, 2005

Now available in paperback, The Past From Above presents stunning aerial photographs of 250 of the world's foremost archaeological sites. The photographer, Georg Gerster, has been shooting ancient sites from the air for more than fifty years. In this current collection, his subjects range from the temple complex at Karnak to the Great Wall of China, and from the Acropolis in Athens to Aztec palaces in Mexico. Gerster's photographs are technical achievements--often produced under hair-raising circumstances--in their own right but at the same time offer a unique visual history of mankind stretching back to the dawn of civilization. Charlotte Tr:umpler introduces the photographs with an overview of the critical role that aerial photography has played in archaeological research.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In addition to his work as an aerial photographer, Georg Gerster is a journalist who has contributed to many books and scientific magazines.

Charlotte Tr:umpler is the head of the Archaeological Collection of the Ruhrlandmuseum Essen.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892368179
• ISBN-13: 978-0892368174
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,273,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UNIQUE, June 29, 2005

By 

I. W. Gittleman (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Past From Above: Aerial Photographs of Archaeological Sites (Hardcover)

This is more than a 'coffee table' book.
It consists of 249 photographs from around the world -- all archeological (and many world heritage) sites.
It's uniqueness is this: There are large sharp color photographs as well as duplicate small color photographs.
Appended to the smaller photographs is a signed discussion and description which, while succinct, is comprehensive and satisfactory.
I have not seen a book like this one. Both the photographs, the worldwide areas covered, and the text are very fine.
Strongly recommended.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aerial views, January 15, 2006

By 

O. Hedden (Fort Worth TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Past From Above: Aerial Photographs of Archaeological Sites (Hardcover)

Exceeded expectations. The views were unexpectedly revealing, and the written descriptions of each view were also unexpectedly revealing.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Bird's Eye View, March 18, 2006

By 

A. K. Jones - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Past From Above: Aerial Photographs of Archaeological Sites (Hardcover)

If you want to review the wonder of human kind's imprint on the earth, enjoy this book. If you want to wonder at the uses of the earth's treasures to show creativity and genius spend time with this book. That these architectural remains can be seen from the air in entirety is made possible by Georg Gerster's incredible artistry.