People and the Sky: Our Ancestors and the Cosmos Hardcover – May 17, 2008

Interesting information regarding our nature/sky oriented ancestors. However, presented in a fashion where the goal was to present the largest variety of information in the least amount of space, resulting in a lack of detail explanations. In one two-page section I read a paragraph on the HawIians, then one on the Egyptians, followed by Louis XIV, and finally one on the Mayans. I knew the point he wanted to make, but he really didn’t back it up well. Often things dragged on losing my interest.

"As it is in heaven so shall it be on earth." This is the guiding principle in the gathering together of architectural features of older cultures that reveal their preoccupation with the sky, particularly the night sky. Anthony Aveni is an acknowlwdged expert in the growing field of Archeoastronomy, a field that is throwing more and more light on the forms of houses, public buildings, temples, of many ancinet cultures. These peoples built to duplicate in their buildings what they saw in the night sky and from this draw knowledge that made their culture more succesful. Anthony Aveni is well worth the reading for those who want to understand the peoples and culture they came from.

Will change your whole perspective on the importance of the stars to humankind and the scientific genius of peoples in all cultures to uncover the realities of the cosmos.

This book was disappointing. I expected much more information on topics such as the mayans, incas, aztecs, etc...the book drags on...2-stars only.

The breadth of this book is impressive and despite Prof Aveni's academic background it is all easy to read and very enjoyable. It is recommended reading on my courses.

Condition excellent