Most live deep in the mountains; where no roads exist; in a landscape so rugged even neighboring villages develop completely distinct languages. Because of the physical barriers separating them; the tribes from the remote regions of Burma live a style of life unchanged for centuries; each with its own rich culture and dress. Over 30 of these little-known groups and faces from all parts of the country; appear in these compelling photographs--photographs that testify not only to Richard Diran's skill as an artist; but to his persistence in the face of the tribes' suspicion and fear of foreigners. At times; the undertaking was outright dangerous; because of the constant guerrilla activity; the remarkable results; however; justify the many years' work; showcasing a spectacular variety of colorful and elaborate traditional costumes and jewelry; rare instruments; and; above all; unforgettable faces; rich in expressiveness and beauty.
#1589903 in Books 2011-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.70 x .70 x 5.00l; .50 #File Name: 1841589594224 pages
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. An open-minded survey of evidence for Vikings in AmericaBy Bruce TrinqueIn "Vikings in America" Graeme Davis; an academic scholar specializing in linguistics of the medieval North Atlantic; has crafted a multi-discipline survey of the evidemce for the presence of Vikings in North America from circa 1000 through at least the 14th century. Davis notes: "The style of this book is as a continuouis narrative free from a heavy critical apparatus. Researchers witll readily find corroboration for factual material in major libraries or online. My contribution has been to put the whole together. There is little here that is original or primary research; save for the etymology proposed for 'America'." [Davis proposes that the name "America" came not from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci but rather from a Romance language distortion of the Old Norse term "merki" or "merik"; meaning an undeveloped border country; i.e; the lands beyond Vinland.]The author considers the various famous of "hard" evidence for Viking North American presence (Yale's Vinland Map; the Kensington Runestone; the Newport Tower) and concludes that although there are in each case substantial reasons for accepting the validity of that evidence; ultimately none of them can be conclusively shown to be genuine. But Davis believes that the evidence in sum -- archaeological; literary; philoological; genetic; etc. -- supports a view that "the Vikings were in North Amerioa in large numbers and for a long time." He stresses a need to move beyond "an unproductive reworking of the Vinland Map; Kensingtone Runestone and Newport Tower" and instead "accept that we should be able to find traces of the Vikings; and actively search for them."Davis does not identify a specific candidate for the precise location of Vinland -- he evidently concludes it was a considerable area perhaps along the New England coast and even beyond -- and rejects the notion that equates L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland with either being identical with Vinland; or even simply the "Leif's Booths" site known from the Norse sagas. Rather; Davis views L'Anse aux Meadows as a temporary (perhaps for a period of twenty years) gateway from Greenland to the lands to the west and south; "best regarded as a travellers' inn; a staging post for people on their way somewhere else."The author devotes considerable attention to the Viking presence in the High Arctic to the northwest of Greenland; most particularly on Ellesmere Island; postulating not merely a very occasion; perhaps single; exploring voyage; but a longterm presence; at least seasonal in nature for hunting narwhals; although perhaps a permanent settlement that might have outlasted the Greenland Viking settlements."Vikings in America" is a fresh; open-minded examination of an old topic. It does not provide final answers; but surely points the way for further exploration.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The Viking Book History has been Waiting ForBy PastAgesandFutureWorldsFinally; a detailed and solid book on Viking exploration of America. Even though we have absolute proof they were in North America; scholars continue to ignore their explorations and impact. Davis explores all of the Viking landfalls from Greenland to Vinland. He also takes a clear look at controversies such as the Vinland Map and Kensington Rune Stone. His theory about the Narragansett Indians needs explored further; as does the Newport Tower. Why do archaeologists ignore something right in their own backyard? There is clear evidence that it predates colonial times. I'm not sure if Davis' Viking name for America holds up; and on page 160 he refers to Columbus as Hispanic; but overall this is the book on Vikings that all students of early American history and exploration have been waiting for. See also New England's Viking and Indian Wars .0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Decent book.By A. MeyerAn excellent look at the history of the Greenland Vikings and the possible evidence of their presence in America. There is alot of newer finds that I was not aware of in the High Arctic which he talks about; which is exciting because if we are able someday to get more archaeological digs up there we may find alot more evidence of their being there. His explanation of the Kensington Runestone is interesting and linking it to an expedition that was sent out at the same time from Europe I think gives an aura of truth to the whole thing. I just wish that academia would stop being so dismissive of the Vikings and their achievements and be more open to their being in America long before Columbus for centuries uninterrupted.
