Stories in StoneCertain symbols abound in modern Western culture that are instantly recognizable: the cross signifies Christianity, the six-pointed Star of David is revered by Jews, the golden arches frequently means it's time for lunch. Other symbols, however, require a bit of decoding-particularly those found in cemeteries. Cemeteries are virtual encyclopedias of symbolism. Engravings on tombstones, mausoleums and memorials tell us just about everything there is to know about a person: date of birth and death as well as religion, ethnicity, occupation, community interests, and much more. In the fascinating new book Stories in Stone: The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism by noted author Douglas Keister, the secrets of cemetery symbolism are finally revealed. Did you know that it is quite rare to see a sunflower on a tombstone? Did you know that the human foot symbolizes humility and service since it consistently touches the earth? Or the humble sheaf of wheat-while it is often used to denote someone who has lived a long and fruitful life? Do you know other meanings it might carry? Stories in Stone provides history along with images of a wide variety of common and not-so-common cemetery symbols, and offers an in-depth examination of stone relics and the personal and intimate details they display-flora and fauna, religious icons, society symbols, and final impressions of how the deceased wished to be remembered. Douglas Keister has created a practical field guide that is compact and portable, perfect for those interested in family histories and genealogical research, and is the only book of its kind that unlocks the language of symbols in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner. Douglas Keister has photographed fourteen award-winning, critically acclaimed books (including Red Tile Style: America's Spanish Revival Architecture, The Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Home, and Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties) earning him the title "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture." He also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to other books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards. Doug lives in Chico, California, and travels frequently to photograph and lecture on historic architecture and photography. |
From inside the book
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Page 20
... took four years ( 1865-1869 ) for Cincinnati architect James Keyes Wilson to design this Gothic Revival com- bination chapel and mausoleum for the Dexter brothers , with the chapel above and the crypts below . Although the Dexter ...
... took four years ( 1865-1869 ) for Cincinnati architect James Keyes Wilson to design this Gothic Revival com- bination chapel and mausoleum for the Dexter brothers , with the chapel above and the crypts below . Although the Dexter ...
Page 21
... took hold and soon spread all over Europe , tak- ing on regional names and mutating to other styles , such as German Renaissance and French Renaissance . It is important to note that , unlike today , art and architecture were considered ...
... took hold and soon spread all over Europe , tak- ing on regional names and mutating to other styles , such as German Renaissance and French Renaissance . It is important to note that , unlike today , art and architecture were considered ...
Page 30
... took charge of the Revere House Hotel in Boston . So adept was Stevens at the hotel busi- ness that one writer commented , " He made hotel- keeping a science . " Vatican Museums , Vatican City , Italy The tomb of Consul Lucius Cornelius ...
... took charge of the Revere House Hotel in Boston . So adept was Stevens at the hotel busi- ness that one writer commented , " He made hotel- keeping a science . " Vatican Museums , Vatican City , Italy The tomb of Consul Lucius Cornelius ...
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Contents
13 | |
27 | |
Flora | 41 |
Fruits Grains and Vines | 55 |
Trees and Bushes | 60 |
Fauna | 69 |
Fowls and Insects | 77 |
Fishes and Mollusks | 86 |
Worldly Symbols | 110 |
Mortality Symbols | 127 |
Religious Devotion | 141 |
Hebrew Symbolism | 153 |
Chinese and Japanese Symbolism | 159 |
Heavenly Messengers | 162 |
The Cross | 172 |
Secret Societies Clubs and Fraternal Organizations | 181 |
Other editions - View all
Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography Douglas Keister No preview available - 2004 |
Common terms and phrases
American Ancient Order angels architecture Association attributes Benevolent Bible Blocher Brotherhood California carved Catholic Celtic cross century Chico Cemetery Christ Christian symbolism church Cimitero Monumentale Club Colma crown cultures Daughters Davis death decorative depicted died eagle earth Eastern Star Egyptian Revival architecture Elks emblem exedra flowers Fraternal Order Freemasons funerary art grave Greek heaven Hiawatha Hollywood Forever Cemetery Holy Cross Cemetery Honor immortality Independent Order Italy Jesus John Knights of Pythias Knights of St Knights Templar known Ladies League legend Legion letters look Lord Loyal Maccabees Mary Masonic mausoleum memorial Milan monument Moose Mystic National Oahu Oak Hill Cemetery Odd Fellows Order of Foresters organization portrayed Red Bluff reference represent Roman Royal San Michele Cemetery sarcophagus sculpture seen Sons stone style thou tion tomb tombstones tree Treestones tumulus ture Union unto usually Venice wings Women Woodmen World yahrtzeit York Rite