Cave Paintings and the Human Spirit: The Origin of Creativity and Belief
"A beguiling and compelling take on the precise moment in history when art and religion first collided and human civilization began. At the same time, it's a fascinating inside look at the life of a working archaeologist who seeks to answer the ultimate question of what distinguishes us from other creatures on earth. An accomplished and important book by a gifted author --- exciting, provocative, and illuminating." --Jonathan Kirsch, Author ofThe Grand Inquisitor's Manual: A History of Terror in the Name of God"New finds, new insights, new ideas, therefore new disputes are enlivening study of the famous painted images in the Ice Age caves. David Whitley, himself active in the field, gives an enticing personal account - informed,smart, sharp" --Christopher Chippindale, Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Cambridge, England"The cave paintings of France and Spain, which date from 35,000 to 10,000 years ago, have posed an intriguing enigma since they were first reccognized. Experts have debated, and ordinary people have wondered, why they were painted and what they might mean. David Whitley's take is one of the more original interpretations, and certainly an interesting one. And the man can write. His descriptions of the sites and the art in the caves are captivating and poetic. And the man can write."--Jean M. Auel, Author"A beguiling and compelling take on the precise moment in history when art and religion first collided and human civilization began. At the same time, it's a fascinating inside look at the life of a working archaeologist who seeks to answer the ultimate question of what distinguishes us from other creatures on earth. An accomplished and important book by a gifted author --- exciting, provocative, and illuminating." --Jonathan Kirsch, Author ofThe Grand Inquisitor's Manual: A History of Terror in the Name of God"New finds, new insights, new ideas, therefore new disputes are enlivening study of the famous painted images in the Ice Age caves. David Whitley, himself active in the field, gives an enticing personal account - informed,smart, sharp" --Christopher Chippindale, Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Cambridge, England"A beguiling and compelling take on the precise moment in history when art and religion first collided and human civilization began. At the same time, it's a fascinating inside look at the life of a working archaeologist who seeks to answer the ultimate question of what distinguishes us from other creatures on earth. An accomplished and important book by a gifted author --- exciting, provocative, and illuminating." --Jonathan Kirsch, Author ofThe Grand Inquisitor's Manual: A History of Terror in the Name of God"New finds, new insights, new ideas, therefore new disputes are enlivening study of the famous painted images in the Ice Age caves. David Whitley, himself active in the field, gives an enticing personal account - informed,smart, sharp" --Christopher Chippindale, Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Cambridge, England