Rating: 
Summary: Mystics make lousy scientists
Review: "Heaven's Mirror" is a logical extension of Graham Hancock's previous works, including "Fingerprints of the Gods" and "Message of the Sphinx." By "logical," however, I only mean in the sense that if you have already uncritically accepted the notions he put forth in the earlier books, then you will be prepared for the next step he takes in this one. To elaborate: there is much here that is simply more of the same--the extension of "archaeoastronomy" to an explanation of the ground plan of Angkor Wat, and also of the positioning of this part of Cambodia relative to the Giza plateau and several sites in the Pacific. Hancock's archaeoastronomy, however, essentially amounts to the complete unwillingness to accept anything as coincidence, right down to supposed similarities in spellings of words from ancient languages (left unanswered is the question of Hancock's ability to speak any of these languages, and thus verify that these spellings also reflect similar pronunciation or inflection). Hancock's science is derived from that of many Atlantis enthusiasts, and is exemplified by the ease with which he accepts a radical and entirely baseless geological idea (Charles Hapgood's "earth crust displacement") simply because it provides a ready explanation for the presence of an antarctic continent on some old maps. In short, it's crap of the highest order, and when Hancock goes one step beyond to aver that the ancients knew of a "science of immortality" that was just as advanced as our modern scientific disciplines, he is simply being goofy (his deduction would be similar to that of an imaginary archaeologist thousands of years in our future, examining the ruins of hundreds of cathedrals, and deciding that the Catholic church also had a science of immortality). All in all, this is very silly stuff. Still, the writing is occasionally good, and the photographs are often gorgeous, though they are of uneven quality. If you are drawn to this sort of thing, you could do worse; it's bit better than von Daniken. I have a feeling, though, that Mr. Hancock is only a book or two away from starting his own religion, and I predict that sometime near that magic year of 2012 he and his followers will be camping out on the Giza plateau, waiting for the great cataclysm...
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Summary: Leo LS LIU
Review: About the sign on the Nascar Plain, the big fork is just the same as the sign of an kingdom of China, the mysterical Zhongshan Kingdom was a strong Kingdom in the Warring States period, no one know where she really came from, it was considered as an barbarian states although it tried to be part of China.I saw the big fork of Zhongshan last year in Hong Kong in an exhibition, and when I read the book, it reminded me of that big thing. Sure there must be relationship betweeb those ancient civilizatoins
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but too speculative
Review: After the laughable _Fingerprints of the Gods_, a book that had some interesting notions and tantalizing information but suffered from some of his pseudoscientific conclusions and his lack of good referencing, my shaky faith in Graham Hancock is restored, to a point. _Heaven's Mirror_ is an extremely interesting but annoying look at some of the incredible similarities between ancient civilization's mythologies. It is interesting as far as the similarities lie, but is extremely annoying as to the conclusions that Hancock comes to. I seriously doubt that a 'cult' carrying such remarkably convergent religious convictions could prepetuate itself from 10,500 B.C. to 1200 A.D. and possibly to the present day. Hancock stretches from revolutionary to lunatic often in the same page. For anyone to take him seriously there must be found: (1) more archaeological evidence for his 'lost civilization' (more like a culture); (2) no reference to "earth crustal displacement" or ESP; (3) current references and alternative hypotheses. I could have gone on forever but will stop here. Hancock's evidence is compelling, he needs,though, to stop being too sensationalist and try to mainstream his evidence in the academic literature. Read Robert Schoch's _Voices of the Rocks_ for refutations of Hancock's first book and an appraisal similar to mine of his work.
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Summary: A wonderful reading experience!
Review: Although there are 2 naysayers in this list of reviews, both of whom must be steeped in the traditional archaeological and egyptological paradigms, you should read this book for the questions it raises about our history and the POSSIBILITY that the theories currently held about many aspects of various ancient civilizations might not suffice any longer. For someone to deny even the possibilities Hancock proposes is not open to investigation that may lead to conclusions that might stray from currently accepted ones. The research is impeccable and very well presented, not to mention the photographs.
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Summary: A thought provoking text
Review: As a student of the arts, I have always been interested in the Egyptian Culture, reading a variety of texts about the country and it's religion. I have read 2 books by Graham Hancock, including this one, and both are extremely thought provoking............. it has been said for many years now, that the religions around the world and indeed the people too, are inexplicably related, and this is proven more than once in Graham's books. He takes you on a journey around the world, introducing the religion of a particular country and linking it to other ideas along the way, the photo's taken by his wife, are amazing, they really capture the essence of the places that they went to, to do their research.
A most enjoyable read, I recommend it to anyone that has an interest in ancient cultures/religions.
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Summary: Subject the Hypothesis to the Process of Scientific Enquiry
Review: As I write about this heated debate/book, I have realized how each one of us will subjectively react to Graham Hancock's current book and the previous others. My subjective reaction we know is not the proof. The answer to end this debate is simple, find the means to test the hypothesis being put forth...That there was an ancient advanced civilization around 10,500 BC whose knowledge we all share through stories, myths and structural evidence that employs some advanced astronomical principles... For a true Scientist, classifying Graham Hancock is not important, testing his theories and the evidence he presents, however is and to do so with an open mind. As a researcher Hancock has taken the time to observe the same sites, texts and myths as have others in the past. He is postulating different conclusions from what others have done..Not in vaccuum either...He provides you with plenty of evidence, contextual information and interpretation....more definitive than the "Fingerprints of the Gods"... Others have interpreted differently..He is willing to test it...Are there any takers? The BBC program's attempt to prove/disprove Graham Hancock's theories is not sufficient. Debunk a theory proposed on physical evidence on a tv program? We have not come so far in our scientific advancement by disproving a hypothesis in that fashion...Why not consider the physical evidence and evaluate/re-evaluate the evidence..Then subject the idea through the rigourous of the scientific process...Let this be done with ideas put forth by Graham Hancock and some of his collabarators... If people disagree with Graham Hancock, test the hypothesis...If we cannot test it, treat it as fiction and read it and forget it...But let us not jump to "scientific" conclusions by doing what Graham Hancock is accused of doing...being unscientific...Either take the time to prove / disprove it or just let it be.... And as a reader, keep your mind open when reading this book. Personally I find Hancock's hypothesis very interesting and believe that more research is needed..to prove or disprove..What exists as evidence for the players in this debate is necessary but not completely sufficient to prove their position beyond doubt..Why so? Let us compare the field of Physics with Cultural Anthropology. A famous Scientist made a very definitive end-of-the-19th-Century declaration that Physics can explain all physical phenomena save for a few, one of them being the Photo-Electric effect. However, one Einstein was willing to think differently and has changed our thinking about physical reality. His discoveries have not finished off Physics, but re-energized it and given the power to explain even more about the universe we live in and opened our eyes to how life can truly be stranger than fiction. Was the opinion stated by a prominent scientist and held by a majority of scientists of that time really the truth and the whole truth? Far from it as it turns out. An additional advantage with Physics is that, many of the hypothesis can be confirmed through lab based experiments and observable physical phenomena. These are repeatable or tend to repeat themselves and so can be re-tested and theories can be revised. Let us also not forget that we are human. This should actually be sufficient! The orthodox hypothesis about rise of civilizations and Graham Hancock's new hypothesis and other alternate theories,however do not have such luxury. They are working with languages, texts, myths and physical pieces of evidence that no one person can completely claim to understand or explain. They may be able to recreate the skies in 5000 BC and 10000 BC, but nothing like physics. So the researchers in such a field should pay attention to all the data and whatever secondary data they can lay their hands on. I have read quite a few articles by the proponents of different theories.. Still I believe for reasons stated above, a lot more rigorous research is needed...and I will look forward to such research.
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Summary: At the worst this book will make you think...
Review: At the best you will be transported back 10,500 years ago to a super-civilization that spanned the length of the globe making monuments to their gods and exploring the heavens and the seas!!
This book will produce a physical visceral reaction for EVERY reader who dares to pick up this book. Some will dismiss it as total and utter junk, other will believe every word of it. Most of us will be intrigued, enjoy the excellent writing and spectacular pictures, but be left unsure. I know at the end of this book I WANTED TO BELIEVE MORE THAN I WANTED TO BELIEVE ANYTHING ABOUT HISTORY!!
I want to believe that the human race could do all of these fantastic things in such an organized, precise way thousands of years before the great civilizations of the Romans and the Greeks. I really do! I want to believe that we are all tied together in a way that united us and makes up proud of the human race and its dizzying array of achievements. I want to believe that our ancestors tamed the seas, knew advanced calculus, astronomy, physics, building techniques, etc. I think this book gives great hope for mankind and demonstrates how special human beings are.
That being said, do I agree with all Hancock's theory? Answer: I don't know, but it made one hell of a read, and for that I thank him.
Trust me when I tell you that this book is worth reading, worth thinking about and important in a small way (possibly an extremely large way) about the history of humanity. It is well written, filled with exceptional photographs, explains complicated ideas with ease, and you will learn something. Even if it as simple as the idea of celestial procession.
READ THIS BOOK!
Rating: 
Summary: BE WARNED
Review: Be warned: this book is intellectually flacid nonsense with disturbing links to elitist race theories from the period of the Third Reich. It contains much empty speculation and very little evidence. The references are appalling - and the book is an example of the most egregious pseudo-scholarship. Worse than Von Daniken. Key words: dangerous, empty, drivel, elitist
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Summary: Readers and Non-Readers will treasure this one ! (children2)
Review: Even Non-Readers will love this one! There are an amazing number of full-color and full-page pictures of Ancient Sites, Artwork, buildings and statues. You cannot go wrong with this one, if you are interested in the past or appreciate art. Your children will marvel at the wondrous photographs that are so well-produced! Hancock and Santha Faiia have done a great job and colaborate well, together. This is money well-spent!
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Summary: Astonishing Revelation of Ancient Mysteries!
Review: For anyone who wishes to examine the ancient wisdom of our past to discover the remarkable evidence that suggest that all ancient religions and scientific insights might have a common cultural originator; Heaven's Mirror is a must read. This book made me re-examine my most basic concepts concerning the cultural evolution of humanity as well as my most basic religious concepts. The book is loaded with many rare and beautiful pictures and illustrations which one would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The book, though scientifically accurate and precise, reads like a mystery novel with each chapter building upon the previous chapters until one reaches the colossal ending which ties the book neatly together. Well worth the price if one has an interest in expanding one's worldview!
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