Lapidarium

The Secret Lives of Stones

By Hettie Judah | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

About the book

Inspired by the lapidaries of the ancient world, this book is a beautifully designed collection of true stories about sixty different stones that have influenced our shared history

The earliest scientists ground and processed minerals in a centuries-long quest for a mythic stone that would prolong human life. Michelangelo climbed mountains in Tuscany searching for the sugar-white marble that would yield his sculptures. Catherine the Great wore the wealth of Russia stitched in gemstones onto the front of her bodices.
 
Through the realms of art, myth, geology, philosophy and power, the story of humanity can be told through the minerals and materials that have allowed us to evolve and create. From the Taiwanese national treasure known as the Meat-Shaped Stone to Malta’s prehistoric “fat lady” temples carved in globigerina limestone to the amethyst crystals still believed to have healing powers, Lapidarium is a jewel box of sixty far-flung stones and the stories that accompany them. Together, they explore how human culture has formed stone, and the roles stone has played in forming human culture.

Editions of Lapidarium

Hardcover
ISBN 9780143137412
EBook
ISBN 9780593511435
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780593613030
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780593613047

Read an Excerpt

Inspired by the lapidaries of the ancient world, this book is a beautifully designed collection of true stories about sixty different stones that have influenced our shared history

The earliest scientists ground and processed minerals in a centuries-long quest for a mythic stone that would prolong human life. Michelangelo climbed mountains in Tuscany searching for the sugar-white marble that would yield his sculptures. Catherine the Great wore the wealth of Russia stitched in gemstones onto the front of her bodices.
 
Through the realms of art, myth, geology, philosophy and power, the story of humanity can be told through the minerals and materials that have allowed us to evolve and create. From the Taiwanese national treasure known as the Meat-Shaped Stone to Malta’s prehistoric “fat lady” temples carved in globigerina limestone to the amethyst crystals still believed to have healing powers, Lapidarium is a jewel box of sixty far-flung stones and the stories that accompany them. Together, they explore how human culture has formed stone, and the roles stone has played in forming human culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lapidarium about?

Inspired by the lapidaries of the ancient world, this book is a beautifully designed collection of true stories about sixty different stones that have influenced our shared history

The earliest scientists ground and processed minerals in a centuries-long quest for a mythic stone that would prolong human life. Michelangelo climbed mountains in Tuscany searching for the sugar-white marble that would yield his sculptures. Catherine the Great wore the wealth of Russia stitched in gemstones onto the front of her bodices.
 
Through the realms of art, myth, geology, philosophy and power, the story of humanity can be told through the minerals and materials that have allowed us to evolve and create. From the Taiwanese national treasure known as the Meat-Shaped Stone to Malta’s prehistoric “fat lady” temples carved in globigerina limestone to the amethyst crystals still believed to have healing powers, Lapidarium is a jewel box of sixty far-flung stones and the stories that accompany them. Together, they explore how human culture has formed stone, and the roles stone has played in forming human culture.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lapidarium?

Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Nature and the natural world: general interest > Rocks, minerals and fossils: general interest

Where can I read a sample of Lapidarium?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780143137412

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lapidarium?

Hettie Judah

Who is the Publisher of the book Lapidarium?

Penguin Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Lapidarium is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780143137412) and ebook(ISBN 9780593511435) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593613030) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593613047)

Where can I buy Lapidarium online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Lapidarium from below

Where can I buy Lapidarium?