- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: Thames and Hudson; illustrated edition edition (Sep 30 2003)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0500021171
- ISBN-13: 978-0500021170
- Product Dimensions: 24.6 x 17 x 2.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 857 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #947,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
Product Description
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.
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.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Coe's Angkor and the Khmer Civilization,
By Jim Placzek (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ancient Peoples And Places Angkor And Khmer Civilization (Hardcover)
Plusses for this work include Coe's clear and engaging writing style, including textbook-style boxed backgrounders, its excellent selection of illustrations, and above all, its review of current (2003) Southeast Asian prehistory. He covers not only the archaeology, but also the broader view from historical linguistics and ethnographic studies of Cambodia, the lower Mekong, and beyond. Reviews of the work of other leading scholars such as Claude Jacques and Michael Vickery are also appreciated.The evidence from local religious traditions, especially the neak ta, help us to gain a perspective on many longstanding views such as those of early Chinese and European travellers, "hydraulic society", and Funan and Chenla as "states". Giving priority to indigenous inscription sources over those of travellers is an important methodological guideline, and Coe seems to practice it. As he evaluates Indian concepts alongside those of local SE Asian cultures, we begin to feel more comfortable with explanations which emphasize the genius of SE Asians to accommodate new ideas into their own concepts, thus melding both into something quite unique, such as Angkor Wat itself. Criticisms are all minor, involving such details as still referring to the Nan Chao kingdom as Thai, an idea long debunked. There is also a general acceptance, along with much current work, of archaeological evidence for earlier developments in China. While it is now fully acknowledged, even by Chinese prehistorians, that the lands which today are central and southern China were originally populated by other ethnic groups, all of us tend to fall back into old habits of thinking of these areas as somehow peopled by Han Chinese. Coe does this as well, sometimes referring to such innovations as the domestication of rice as "Chinese", when in fact the originators of such early discoveries as domesticated rice and metallurgy could have been the ethno-linguistic ancestors of the Angkoreans themselves. Coe has managed to survey the current evidence on such an extremely broad prehistory and relate it to the specific political and artisitic achievements of Angkor in a way that has not been done before. Well done.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Angkor and the Khmer Civilization,
By
This review is from: Ancient Peoples And Places Angkor And Khmer Civilization (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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars (15 customer reviews) 64 of 66 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Angkor and the Khmer Civilization,
By Michael Gunther - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ancient Peoples And Places Angkor And Khmer Civilization (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,
By T. Sullivan - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Angkor And The Khmer Civilization (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,
By Bobby Chavez "ataxia" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Angkor And The Khmer Civilization (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. |
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