Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power [Hardcover]

Martin Gray (Author), Graham Hancock (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

Acclaimed photographer and anthropologist Martin Gray spent the last 20 years on an amazing pilgrimage: he visited 1,000 sacred sites in 80 countries around the world. His journey unfolds in a remarkable compilation of images that reveals just how devoutly pre-industrial cultures everywhere worshipped and respected our Earth. From the Western Wall to the Great Mosque of Damascus, Mt. Olympus to Assisi, Tibet’s Potala Palace to Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, Teotihuacán in Mexico to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, these are the awe-inspiring places from which all the world’s great religions sprang, along with our finest culture, art, and architecture. Gray’s stunning photographs and fascinating text provide unique insight into why these powerful holy places are the most venerated and visited sites on the entire planet. Maps adapted from the National Geographic Society show the locations of all the sites presented, and a thorough appendix includes a comprehensive list of over 500 of the world’s sacred sites.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martin Gray's work has been published by the National Geographic. He has an award-winning website, www.sacredsites.com, which has received more than 6 million visitors. Foreword author Graham Hancock was formerly a correspondent for both the Economist and the Sunday Times.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402747373
• ISBN-13: 978-1402747373
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 10.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #749,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic images of the sites that enlighten our souls!, November 1, 2007

By 

Brad Olsen "Travel Writer" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power (Hardcover)

Of all the coffee table books I have seen on the subject of sacred places, this one is by far the best. Martin Gray takes us around the world to the finest locations that enlighten the soul. His description accompanying the photos adds the insight into what makes these locations so special.

Martin Gray wrote the foreword to my book "Sacred Places Europe" and I will forever be grateful. I asked Martin to write this foreword because he is an amazing photographer and researcher on sacred sites around the world. When I received the advance review copy today from the publisher the final product far exceeded my expectations! This is an amazing book, one I will keep forever. Fantastic work, Martin. Congratulations on a truly beautiful book!

Sacred Places Europe: 108 Destinations (Sacred Places: 108 Destinations series)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delight for the senses, the mind, the heart, and the soul, January 16, 2008

By 

Cornelia <Nela> Jarica (Bay Area, California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power (Hardcover)

Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power

Martin, for years I have been following your work with admiration and gratitude and know what tremendous hurdles you had to overcome to stay true to your divine calling, spiritual cause, and life's passion: to explore the sacred sites of this magnificent earth and to present them to us as gracious gifts by way of your moving, awe-inspiring photography accompanied by your insightful, perceptive, and multifaceted narrations. Graham Hancock's foreword is as stimulating and thought-provoking as are his books and TV documentaries. Your new book has particular value for those of us who believe in, have knowledge of, or who experience the realms of finer vibrational energies - call them mystical, sublime, transcendental, or divine.... Your book captures these dimensions in a unique and fulfilling way conveying a profound sense of wellbeing to the reader. If we had more enlightened sages like you, humans would be able to enjoy paradise on Earth. But since spirit is working through you in such a powerful and beautiful way, you are giving us a taste of it now and are paving the way for that future experience. You fulfill the soul's longing to touch the inner source of being which inspires, invigorates, and delights us. And you do it ever so gracefully. You make us immensely happy and I continue to deeply appreciate your work.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book!, January 19, 2008

By 

Jeremy Taylor (Ravena, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book, from the beautiful and often breathtaking photographs to the very interesting and insightful commentary. Martin takes you to places you might otherwise never see- a guide to the best of the world's sacred places. A must have for anyone interested in sacred places, or for anyone looking for a great view of the world we all call home!