In Depth: The Best Books Given and Received as Gifts
It's a rare occasion when someone gifts me a book, as most people must ask if I already own it. However, the books that do change hands often leave a lasting impression. Here are three of the best books I've received as gifts, each with its own unique charm and significance.
The Ivory Mirror: The Art of Mortality in Renaissance Europe
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The Ivory Mirror: The Art of Mortality in Renaissance Europe by Stephen Perkinson, Naomi Speakman, Katherine Baker, Elizabeth Morrison, Emma Maggie Solberg is a compelling exploration of the darker side of the Renaissance era. Often perceived as an age of great human progress, this book reveals the pervasive themes of mortality that influenced the art of the time.
The book features nearly 200 illustrated artworks, from ivory prayer beads to gem-encrusted jewelry, and exquisitely carved small sculptures. These pieces are not just works of art but also serve as a commentary on the human struggle to make sense of death and its impact on personal legacy.
Or as a review puts it: "The essays gathered here discuss the development and significance of this transformative art of the past while exploring themes that are still relevant today: how does one navigate the implicit tension between mortality and morality and seek to balance individual pleasure with the pursuit of a greater good."
In fact, The Ivory Mirror: The Art of Mortality in Renaissance Europe by Stephen Perkinson, Naomi Speakman, Katherine Baker, Elizabeth Morrison, Emma Maggie Solberg: 9780300225952: Books
Death: A Graveside Companion
Death: A Graveside Companion by Joanna Ebenstein is a comprehensive and sinister examination of humanity's relationship with death. The book, which spans from ancient artifacts to contemporary pop culture, is both a reference work and a thought-provoking exploration of cultural attitudes towards mortality.
Organized into themed chapters such as The Art of Dying, Examining the Dead, Memorializing the Dead, the book delves into the various ways in which death has been depicted and memorialized throughout history. From medieval Danse Macabre to Halloween traditions, the book captures a multitude of perspectives on this inevitable aspect of life.
As Joanna Ebenstein states, "A volume of unprecedented breadth and sinister beauty, Death: A Graveside Companion examines a staggering range of cultural attitudes toward death." This book is not just a compendium of artworks but a commentary on the inescapable fact of mortality.
Death: A Graveside Companion by Joanna Ebenstein, Will Self: 9780500519714: Books
Virginia Edition of Robert A. Heinlein's Works
While I am not particularly morbid, my fascination with death has often led me to explore its artistic representations. This is why the Virginia Edition of Robert A. Heinlein's Works stands out as one of the best books I have ever been given as a gift. This comprehensive edition includes everything Heinlein ever wrote, except for For Us the Living, along with access to the online archives and personal letters.
This limited edition is not only a treasure trove of science fiction literature but also a definitive work on Heinlein's oeuvre. Heinlein's literary contributions, spanning from his screenplays to his TV series, make this edition a must-have for any fan of speculative fiction.
In essence, this special edition of Robert A. Heinlein's Works is a numbered limited edition, signifying its value and rarity. This book is not just a collection of stories and novels but a celebration of a literary giant.
Conclusion
These books, each in their unique way, have enriched my life and provided me with insights and inspiration. Whether it's the lesser-known aspects of the Renaissance, the unending impact of death on culture, or the enduring legacy of a literary icon, these books continue to stand out as some of the best gifts ever bestowed and received.