Only the most intrepid urban explorers cross the tattered ruins of the old iron curtain to endure the excessive bureaucracy; military paranoia and freezing winds of the East to hunt for the ghosts of an empire.Rebecca Litchfield is one who couldn’t resist the haunting allure of the ruins of the Soviet Union. Time and again she risked radiation exposure; experienced arrest and interrogation; and was accused of espionage while collecting the stunning photography in Soviet Ghosts. Join her on an adventure through the ruins of soviet bloc; never before seen by western eyes.The emotional affect of this poetic collection will keep you coming back for more; while a series of expert articles offer in-depth analysis of the historical context. Contemplate the uncanny and disturbing emotional power of the imagery. Discover the story of the rise and fall of the USSR; the empire whose ghost continues to haunt Europe even today...Features◠A breathtaking collection of images from Pripyat; Chernobyl◠Stunning imagery of a vast; ruined Bulgarian communist monument.◠A road trip through the ruined abandonment in East Germany; Ukraine; Bulgaria; Hungary; Czech Republic; Slovakia; Latvia; Estonia; Lithuania; Croatia and Russia featuring decaying hospitals; military barracks; prisons; spy stations and sports halls and more.Photographer Rebecca Litchfield captures many abandoned locations; which were either part of the Soviet Union or occupied satellite states during this period of history; including forgotten towns; factories; prisons; schools; monuments; hospitals; theatres; military complexes; asylums death camps across the former communist states. These photographs deliver a compelling narrative of both moral bankruptcy and flawed ideology. Featuring stunning imagery throughout; this compelling road-trip through the old USSR; breathes new life into these forgotten places; finding both beauty and meaning in their post-apocalyptic decay. Extended essays by Tristi Brownett; Neill Cockwill and Professor Owen Evans; offer considerable contextual depth to the locations imbuing them with a wealth of connection and wonder. By virtue of its holistic approach; the book also explores how and why these once thriving communities became abandoned; whether by natural disaster; man-made catastrophe or simply through the march of time.
#176556 in Books imusti 2009-12-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.70 x 1.30 x 5.00l; .85 #File Name: 1905172869377 pagesCollins Pr
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A true heroBy GdfieldI loved reading this book. What an imperturbable man Tom crean was and what a story he could tell if he had been minded to draw attention to his exploits. His rise from an obscure corner of Ireland to accompanying both Scott and Shackleton on their journeys of exploration in such an inhospitable environment showed his true worth. He was the stalwart who volunteered to do whatever would support the group without concentrating on his own safety but on that of the group. No wonder he was held in such high esteem by those who knew him. Several owed their lives to him! I have visited his little pub in anascaul and could imagine this humble man enjoying a simple life with his friends after his days of challenging himself to Herculean almost impossible tasks of physical hardship.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Loved itBy Chuck C.Tremendous read. I felt their pain of dehydration and starvation not to mention the severe climate. I might have lasted 5 minutes in them conditions. Tom Crean was a uniquely special man. I vacationed in Kerry and Dingle and stayed in Anniscaul. Thanks for the gripping history and powerful descriptions of the explorers and terrain and lastly the deplorable living conditions.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A good book for the winter time fun great adventuresBy Manolo LogerfoA good book for the winter time fun great adventures. Great how his the trip to south pole was guided by fear and uncertain outcome. The man who was able to take the trip to Antarctica was able to take care of all of his crew men and made sure to take care of the living expenses and loyal rewards that comes from such adventure. He lives to enjoy raising his family and the going of his friends.
