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241 reviews for:
Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive
Eliot Stein
4.26 AVERAGE
241 reviews for:
Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive
Eliot Stein
4.26 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
“We often hear stories of the first people to do something … but rarely is there a whisper for the last person to carry on a tradition.”
In this amazing book, Eliot Stein sheds light on 10 traditions across the globe that are in the hands of their final guardians. From the rarest pasta in the world to the only tree with its own mailing address, Stein masterfully writes about these hidden wonders and their associated history, geographical context, and present day challenges. With a captivating story telling ability you’ll really feel like you are traveling along with Stein on the book’s journey. I definitely recommend this book to all, but especially those that are interested in history, learning about new cultures, and/or just like interesting facts.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
A gorgeous look at dying customs around the world, told by the practioners themselves, and what it means when we let these parts of our world go. The rapid growth of technology and communication both speeds up the decline of the traditions and exposes them to a wider audience to appreciate. While maintaining a realistic view of the future, it also remains hopeful that this simple act of recording their practices will help prolong their lifespan. It feels like a more personable version of something like Ripley's Believe it or Not, exploring something strange to us but in a way that respects the other culture and tries to gain an understanding of it.
A gorgeous look at dying customs around the world, told by the practioners themselves, and what it means when we let these parts of our world go. The rapid growth of technology and communication both speeds up the decline of the traditions and exposes them to a wider audience to appreciate. While maintaining a realistic view of the future, it also remains hopeful that this simple act of recording their practices will help prolong their lifespan. It feels like a more personable version of something like Ripley's Believe it or Not, exploring something strange to us but in a way that respects the other culture and tries to gain an understanding of it.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
started off the year so strong, I loved every second of this gorgeous gem of a book
Custodians of Wonder is well-written and highly informative while being completely readable. There is something interesting for everyone. The work that Stein is highlighting is vitally important to maintaining human cultures for future generations. Stein's work is a great place to get started with the subject and a great way to get people interesting in the topic.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I enjoyed reading about the author’s fascinating studies of rare methods, practices, and customs all around the world. The author spends several days or longer with each location or group, fully immersed in the culture. He eats, sleeps, and when invited, attempts to practice some cultural customs of these local practitioners of special craftsmanship. Authenticity and respect for the people involved in preserving these lifeways seemed to be the main goals of the author, aside from clear and simple descriptions of the methods, equipment, and results he observed.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.