Living Ruins, Value Conflicts (Heritage, Culture and Identity) - Hardcover

Loukaki, Argyro

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 075467228X ISBN 13: 9780754672289

Publisher: Routledge, 2008

Synopsis

Using monuments and ruins by way of illustration, this fascinating book examines the symbolic, ideological, geographical and aesthetic importance of Greek classical iconography for the Western world. It examines how classical Greek monuments are simultaneously perceived as sublime national symbols and as a mythological and archetypal reference against which Western modernism is measured. The book investigates the dialogue this double identity leads to, as well as frequent clashes between ancient (but also later) monuments and their modern urban or regional environment. Living Ruins, Value Conflicts examines the complex historical process of monument restoration and enhancement, and analyses the nexus of changing perceptions, aesthetic visions and formal principles over the past two centuries. The book shows the ways in which archaeology and monumentality affect modern life, the modern aesthetic, our notions of nationhood, of place, of self - and the limits to and possibilities for national development imposed by the need to ensure ruins are kept 'alive'.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr Argyro Loukaki is Associate Professor in the Department of Hellenic Culture, Open University, Greece and an architect in the Archaeological Service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Greece.

Review:

 'A brilliantly conceived and executed work, will appeal to planners, sociologists, geographers, cultural historians and classical scholars.'
David Harvey, CUNY

'Makes a valuable contribution to cultural geography, aesthetics, planning and culture.'
Urban Geography Research Group

'The book is excellent, written in a highly intelligent way. It presents exceptional theoretical and empirical insights.'
European Spatial Research and Policy

'Learned more about the Acropolis from Loukaki than from almost any other recent work.
A very thoughtful exploration.'
Bill Caraher, University of North Dakota

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 075467228X
• ISBN 13: 9780754672289
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 378