From Library Journal
In 1879, the discovery of vividly painted animals and abstract symbols in the Altamira cave in Spain sparked a continuing fascination with and curiosity about Paleolithic creativity. While Altamira has been mentioned in recent books on the subject, e.g., The Shamans of Prehistory: Trance and Magic in the Painted Caves (LJ 2/1/99), this collection of essays updates the information and images documented by excavators Henri Breuil and Hugo Obermaier in their 1935 monograph, The Cave of Altamira at Santillana del Mar, Spain. Since the cave is now restricted to protect the paintings, the detailed photographs by Saura Ramos (photography, Univ. of Madrid) offer an excellent visual experience to armchair visitors. Included are reports on new radiocarbon dates by Federico Bernaldo de Quir?s and P?rez-Seoane's experiences duplicating prehistoric artistic processes. Other Spanish experts give historical overviews and discuss conservation problems. An important acquisition for public and academic libraries.AAnne Marie Lane, American Heritage Ctr., Laramie, WY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Washington Post
"...fascinating foray into the cave - a temple that remains closed to the public, accessible only on pages such as these."
