Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures & Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs

A second book by Paul koudanaris, that complements his wonderful previous book "the empire of death" . The pictures here, are also stunning, and the narrative helps explore elements of faith and the historical dialogue with death that has changed over the years to become a societal taboo. This is far from Being a gory book, it is beautiful and written respectfully by a true academic, focussing on a particular area of our responses to death and the reasons for differing attitudes to this over time and area. It's intriguing, beautifully photographed, and well written, marvellous !

I bought this book after a friend pointed me to the pictures online, not realising what a fascinating story it would tell. European History, relating to the Reformation, Roman Catholicism in the middle ages and how myth can be brought to life by adulation and belief are explored in the very readable text, while the pictures are pretty boggling. I love a skeleton, I properly love a bit of bling. If you like either or both, then you'll get a buzz from this excellent book. Worth every penny and full of ideas if you are creative... Especially for Hallowe'en!

Having read 'Empire of Death', and thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the tiny print), I was excited to see this book available.It doesn't take long to read, but the pictures are stunning and the story accompanying these beautiful aids to faith and prayer is touching, sensitive, and (towards the end) quite sad.I am not religious at all, but the time and attention given to these Holy Bodies moved me. Whether or not they are genuine relics, or a quickly blessed jumble of bones is irrelevant - the vigour they brought back to a damaged institution should not be forgotten. Nor should they, and I hope that this book helps their cause in a world that is scared of death.I'll be making a journey to Waldsassen based on this book. I can not wait for his next one!

it alright

Took 3 weeks to arrive despite being in stock when I ordered it. When I opened the parcel, the book inside had obviously been damaged before dispatch. The packaging wasn't damaged on the outside at all. It looked as if it had been wet, and the first 18 pages were ripped. I ordered this as a gift and was very disappointed. Amazon responded to my request swiftly and kindly, and a replacement was sent and arrived at my door in Copenhagen within 24 hours. Undamaged! They were so helpful and I am most impressed with their service. The book itself is beautiful and just as expected. I look forward to giving this as a gift. Amazon never fails to provide you with the best possible service, sometimes much better than you even imagined possible.

This book is the most beautiful and fascinating work I have seen and read in the last decade. The most extraordinary imagery enchanted & haunting. An incredible and important piece of research, documentation and photography. Every Art & Humanities College in the country, if not world, should purchase this publication.

The photography in this book is stunning and is what makes it for me. It is also very informative. A few people seen it and were judging me for to quote "having a book of dead guys", till themselves had a look and seen that it is so much more. This book shows how some have celebrated death in a very elaborate way. Amazing!

Beautiful book with great pictures.I was hoping to add it to my collection but unfortunately it came damaged. It has glue stuck to the edge. I am completely disappointed with the service. I will keep it and try to solve it myself.