Editorial Reviews

Cemeteries are virtual encyclopedias of symbolism. Engravings on tombstones, mausoleums and memorials tell us just about everything there is to know about a person- date of birth and death as well as religion, ethnicity, occupation, community interests, and much more. In the fascinating new book Stories in Stone: The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism by noted author Douglas Keister, the secrets of cemetery symbolism are finally revealed. For instance, did you know that it is quite rare to see a sunflower on a tombstone? Did you know that the human foot symbolizes humility and service since it consistently touches the earth? Or the humble sheaf of wheat-while it is often used to denote someone who has lived a long and fruitful life, do you know other meanings it might carry?

Stories in Stone provides history along with images of a wide variety of common and not-so-common cemetery symbols, and offers an in-depth examination of stone relics and the personal and intimate details they display-flora and fauna, religious icons, society symbols, and final impressions of how the deceased wished to be remembered. Douglas Keister has created a practical field guide that is compact and portable, perfect for those interested in family histories and genealogical research, and is the only book of its kind that unlocks the language of symbols in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner.

Douglas Keister has photographed fourteen award-winning, critically acclaimed books (including Red Tile Style: America's Spanish Revival Architecture, The Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Home, and Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties) earning him the title "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture." He also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to other books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards. Doug lives in Chico, California, and travels frequently to photograph and lecture on historic architecture and photography.

Customer Reviews

FIVE-STARS IN STONE!, 2009-10-30
by Joseph R. Calamia (El Paso, Texas)

STORIES IN STONE; A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography by Douglas Kaiser is a unique compilation of funeral art, symbolism, and architecture that will amaze any reader.

This is actually a very good and informative reference book that not only teaches but, magnifies and helps to unravel the mysteries of symbolism and, its impact upon man at his most fearful hour.

Regardless of any prior negative comments or reviews, the author has done an extremely good job of laying out concise information by categorizing various elements and facets of this unique topic. Not only is this a book on funeral art and symbolism, but... it is also a book filled with numerous historical snippets' that the student of history will never find in any boring text.

Walking through old cemeteries can be a humbling and reflective time for each of us. A meditative stroll through any "Gardens of Stone" will become even more meaningful if, you can just... carry this book along with you.

I believe this is to be a superb book for...a superb price!

I Would buy It Again, 2009-08-05
by R. Hogan (Waco TX)

I liked the size and format of the book. It is sort of like a pocket size guide. I wish the pics could have been bigger tho. When I finish a book a I put it in a give away pile or add it to my collection. This one stays in my collection.

Gravestone symbolism, 2009-07-31
by Tom (CT)

This is a fabulous little book for anyone interested in the meaning of symbols on gravestones. It is exquisitely produced with glossy pages and superb photos. The size is such that you could carry in your pocket to a graveyard, but it is too nice to take outside. It is very well written and explains the meaning of symbols in an understandable manner. Unlike most gravestone books, it has a welcome touch of humor on some conventional beliefs but in a respectful manner to all religions. If possible, I would give this ten stars except for the fact that there is only very brief coverage of the symbolism on seventeenth and eighteenth century New England gravestones. While the illustrations of monuments in Italy are beautiful and interesting, more on the early gravestones of America and how they evolved would be much more useful to those of us not likely to get to Italy. Despite this omission, the book is useful for the US cemeteries from the nineteenth century on.

not that great, 2009-03-12
by Cat (Mpls)

This book was very disappointing - from the cover to the contents. The cover image you see on the info. is not really a cover, it is only an image on a small piece of paper wrapped around a potion of the actual blank cover. Then inside, the information is so general and shallow, that it is virtually useless. I wish I had saved my money for a book that actually had some academic significance.

I have two copies!, 2009-02-18
by Kris Beach (South City, Ca)

I purchased this book on Amazon a while back and was worried about taking it into the "field" with me as its a nice hard-bound edition. Happily I found a soft cover copy at Barnes & Noble and carry that one with me when I'm out photographing and doing rubbings. LOTS of great information and beautiful pictures. A must have for the taphophile in your life!