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Summary: A Scientific Look at History, Mythology, and Archaelogy
Review: Although not the last word on any of the mysteries it presents, this book is certainly worth reading. Like The Mummies of Ürümchi, by Elizabeth Wayland Barber, this book brings out fascinating insights from the past, and the wealth of information presented here unveils epochs of history that were surprisingly eventful and sophisticated for their time. On the other hand, the best part of a mystery is its very elusiveness, and if there is a negative aspect to this book, it is that the prolific amount of cold, noncommittal information it carries effectively removes the aura and awe from many of the subjects discussed, while at the same time withholding clear answers. We want answers to our questions - even if it only be an opinion - and, after several lengthy chapters of small print, the noncommittal, impartial research of the authors leaves us with neither the answers (only possibilities of varying probability) that the mysteries demand nor the wonder that they should evoke. Perhaps we should have suspected that when we read, on its cover, that this is where we can "...discover the latest intriguing, scientifically sound explanations to age-old puzzles..." All in all, it's a well-written, well-illustrated book, and, if you have an imagination that manages to hold on to the sense of mystery in a mystery despite a deluge of inert facts, then there are very few other places you would want to go to read about lost Roman armies, the riddles of the Sphinx, the curse of Tutankhamun, and - of course - Atlantis, among others. In the end, you just might come to the conclusion that the very essence of a mystery is not that it is a mystery because people know so little about it, but that it is so because quite a few people know so many different things about it. If this is the case, this book is essential - if not crucial - to coming to that realization, and you will not regret having read it. - Benjamin Gene Gardner
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Summary: Seemingly accurate, but authors are a bit too confident
Review: As someone not well educated on ancient history I have to take James and Thorpe's views with a certain level of authority. Besides, I was never one to believe the whole Atlantis nonsense. Likewise, much of the Bible comes off as myth to me. So much of what the authors present here is seemingly logical. However, in the very first chapter on page 16 the authors write: "Two decades ago some scientists were predicting the impending arrival of a new Ice Age - despite global warming. (One British scientist, with astounding carelessness, predicted both effects in consecutive radio interviews within two days." This is troubling because it so clearly disregards certain theories that do indeed have legitimacy in pointing towards _both_ global warming and a new Ice Age. For example, there are scientists who believe that the melting ice caps (caused by global warming) are lowering the temperature of ocean water around Europe which could cause a form of an Ice Age for the region. One can't be certain as to the scientist they're mocking, but the quick dismissal of this view is troubling because recent evidence suggests that both are distinctly possible without contradicting each other. Have the authors, in their rush to judgement, made the same mistakes elsewhere in the book? I have no idea. So much of this kind of history is theory so I can't be too hard on the authors. However, I do think one needs to have a little bit of skepticism in the portions of the book where the authors are too quick to dismiss a viewpoint without fully explaining why its wrong. And oddly enough, they seem to spend quite a bit of effort going after theories that most people, at least that I'm aware of, don't put much stock into in the first place. The theory of Atlantis, for example, is given quite a bit of ink. This seems odd because it is rather a fanciful theory to begin with. The evidence put forth by the author's here is enjoyable to read and logical. I leave the other gaps in the book to those with more knowledge. Suffice to say, I could do without some of the authors' tone in the book which was at times a little too arrogant. But still, it's a good read and a _start_. Given their views about weather patterns, I'd recommend doing further research before taking their views as the end of the debate.
Rating:
Summary: Seemingly accurate, but authors are a bit too confident
Review: As someone not well educated on ancient history I have to take James and Thorpe's views with a certain level of authority. Besides, I was never one to believe the whole Atlantis nonsense. Likewise, much of the Bible comes off as myth to me. So much of what the authors present here is seemingly logical. However, in the very first chapter on page 16 the authors write: "Two decades ago some scientists were predicting the impending arrival of a new Ice Age - despite global warming. (One British scientist, with astounding carelessness, predicted both effects in consecutive radio interviews within two days." This is troubling because it so clearly disregards certain theories that do indeed have legitimacy in pointing towards _both_ global warming and a new Ice Age. For example, there are scientists who believe that the melting ice caps (caused by global warming) are lowering the temperature of ocean water around Europe which could cause a form of an Ice Age for the region. One can't be certain as to the scientist they're mocking, but the quick dismissal of this view is troubling because recent evidence suggests that both are distinctly possible without contradicting each other. Have the authors, in their rush to judgement, made the same mistakes elsewhere in the book? I have no idea. So much of this kind of history is theory so I can't be too hard on the authors. However, I do think one needs to have a little bit of skepticism in the portions of the book where the authors are too quick to dismiss a viewpoint without fully explaining why its wrong. And oddly enough, they seem to spend quite a bit of effort going after theories that most people, at least that I'm aware of, don't put much stock into in the first place. The theory of Atlantis, for example, is given quite a bit of ink. This seems odd because it is rather a fanciful theory to begin with. The evidence put forth by the author's here is enjoyable to read and logical. I leave the other gaps in the book to those with more knowledge. Suffice to say, I could do without some of the authors' tone in the book which was at times a little too arrogant. But still, it's a good read and a _start_. Given their views about weather patterns, I'd recommend doing further research before taking their views as the end of the debate.
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Summary: This Book's Gonna Tick Off New Agers
Review: First off, I believed in a good amount of the theories that "Ancient Mysteries" firmly ground into the dust. For the first few chapters as my beliefs were gently yet intelligently corrected, I could feel my anger rising - I didn't want to read it anymore! But something remarkable happens when people are allowed to open their eyes further, as mine were. I found myself hungrily eating up page after page to find out the latest theories, discoveries and finds; I was becoming enamored to the idea of scientific enlightenment. So often "Sci Enlight" encompasses closed-eyes-ears of the sci community; often ignoring obvious discrepancies in polished theories; James & Thorpe engage in none of the usual classical scholar dismissals - information is put forth clearly and teams with a thorough bibliography. However, by the middle of the book; observant readers can tell by the first few paragraphs of a new chapter if it's theory/history that the authors agree with. There's a slight derogatory tone with theories that they are about to smash; excited hyperbole with theories they agree with. But all in all, read the book! It's a wonderful read.
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Summary: Perfect gift for the history or trivia buff!
Review: I bought this book for my husband and he couldn't put it down until he read it from cover to cover. He kept marking sections and making me read them. He liked the way the authors "walked" the reader through all of the theories suggested about historical events, then, using facts, debunked most and suggested their own theory. The book is broken into appropriate sections, then each section contains "short stories" about pertinent events. This is the perfect book for reading that is frequently interrupted, such as the beach, but you'll probably find that you won't be able to put it down.
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Summary: Excellent source of scientific and factual information
Review: I decided to read this book as a way to understand what "mainstream" scientists say about Graham Hancock's theories about ancient civilizations, and how these scientists would counter his arguments. This book is excellent for that because it addresses some of his ideas and writings point-blank. As a whole, this book is truly fascinating. In addition to shedding a sober light on the Egyptian pyramids, Mayan culture, and other Hancock favorites, the book addresses quite a few other intriguing mysteries like "Who was the Minotaur", "Who was King Arthur", "What was the Star of Bethlehem" and Stonehenge. Each subject is approached in a rational, scientific manner, and is discussed using facts and commentary from respected sources. This book very much reflects what today's respected academic field believes. The breadth of the book is truly amazing when you consider that each subject is discussed in adequate detail to prove or disprove certain hypotheses. And finally, it is well written and easy to follow. So for its research and ambition in addressing so many fascinating subjects, the book is a gem. For people interested in ancient history, this book will be invaluable. As far as Hancock debunkery goes, in some areas they completely debunk him, in other areas the hypotheses and evidence they present is good and insightful, but not necessarily any more persuasive or powerful than what Hancock presents. In some areas, I still believe Hancock has it right. In the end, hypotheses are just that, and it comes down to your own beliefs. At any rate, this book is fascinating and I couldn't put it down.
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Summary: Well-Written and Informative
Review: Ignoring the disastrous review below which consists of pseudo-scholastic diatribes that would rate this book as a blasphemous piece of work, "Ancient Mysteries" on initial glance is an impressive volume that fits numerous subjects in a little over 600 pages. Almost everything that you have been curious about regarding the Ancient World is presented in a vivid and comprehensible manner. The controversy over the Hancock's book is understandable given the recent time frame this book was written (only four years after the Hancock's book was published). There may be a certain bias involved with the writing and even though the authors bravely tried to tread on a middle ground, such bias is unavoidable. Opinions do vary and so the authors may get caught on occasion by trying to oversimplify theories and statements and thus inevitably exposing their preferences. However this book is not supposed to be an authoritative reference and a final say on all matters pertaining to ancient mysteries. In fact it is really a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue a more detailed look into the various intriguing topics. If we take this perspective then this book succeeds on the most part. The reference material for each chapter is comprehensive and the book is organized in an easy-to-find manner with plenty of cross-references. The language is not overly-scholastic and despite the previous reviewer's claims that the book is perhaps poorly researched and written, the resiliance of the authors not to be suckered into one theory is admirable. I will, if time permits, write a more comprehensive account supporting the merits of this book. However after reading the first three chapters thoroughly, I can highly recommend this book. My only real gripe is that Ballantine should have used a better quality printing paper since the pages are rather thin and feel like cheap wrapping paper- even being priced higher with better paper is a worthwhile thought for future editions. Still, for anyone interested in exploring more about ancient mysteries, this book will definitely help you on your journey.
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Summary: At last, a book that doesn't insult your intelligence
Review: James & Thorpe have taken a SCIENTIFIC approach to some of our most vexing mysteries of past worlds. They are open-minded without falling into preposterous Von Daniken-like theories, but skeptical when need be. I found their descriptions of the origin of the Amazon warrior legend to be enthralling. This is very readable, and it's one of those books that you can open to at any point and begin reading, always finding something of interest.
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Summary: Hold Your Own in After Dinner Debates
Review: One very nice feature of this book is that it works like a general reference book, covering many topics that often instill controversial views. The book does not necessarily need to be read "cover to cover;" it can be enjoyed by randomly reading any chapter. The coverage is extensive, and the title is perhaps a bit misleading -- the book also covers less "ancient" areas of folklore and legend (such as the origins of "Dracula"). The authors debunk the pseudo-scientific and sensationalistic explanations for such human accomplishments as the Great Pyramids and the images of the Nazca Plains. They don't necessarily "go for the jugular" when assessing the views of New Agers and fringe archaeologists. Rather, they point out why such scientifically erroneous theories would appeal to people, and why certain biases would lead to the resulting conclusions. They also convey an idea that I have always believed -- in our modern age we just don't give ancient civilizations enough credit for their problem-solving skills and sheer determination. Think about it, in a society where "fast food" is the norm, it's quite a leap to entertain the notion that thousands of Egyptian workers were willing to toil on a project whose completion would never be seen in their own lifetimes. Who would want to do something like THAT nowadays? "Ancient Civilizations" is crisply and clearly written for the layperson, though the authors provide numerous references to scholarly sources if one wishes to pursue them. Read this book, and when such topics as "Who Built the Pyramids?" and "Were the Nazca Images UFO Airport Runways?" come to surface, you will be able to hold your own, with cool reason and authority!
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Summary: Balanced View of Ancient Controversies
Review: This book accurately compiles the various arguments for and against the ancient mysteries that it covers. The Orion controversy is well handled (for example) as it puts forth a good summary of the theory that the ancient Egyptians aligned the pyramids at Giza with Orion's belt. The authors cover the arguments against the theory and point out that no other pyramid structure aligns with the rest of the stars in the Orion pattern. Then the authors point out that the ancient Egyptians often used the belt alone to designate the constellation Orion. The writers let us know that the Orion theory goes too far in its claims that many pyramids align with the stars of various constellations, but may be right on point with the necessity to look to the stars to explain a lot of what the ancient Egyptians were doing. Current scolars of ancient Egypt simply do not use astronomy to try and understand how the dwellers along the Nile in 3000 BC may have been thinking. Thus, according to Ancient Mysteries, both sides have good points to make. The entire book is filled with the pro and cons of those proposing the theories and those holding to the traditional ways of viewing history. It is the balance the authors bring to the discussion that makes the book so noteworthy. Direct quotes from key passages of the various books supporting or opposing the theories help bring home the essence of each point of view. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the theories of the past being proposed by Handcock and others as a fair view of the proposed theories (summarized of course) and their opponents attempts (often successful) to undermine them.
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