Douglas Keister

Certain symbols abound in modern Western culture that are instantly recognizable: the cross signifies Christianity, the six-pointed Star of David is revered by Jews, the golden arches frequently means it's time for lunch. Other symbols, however, require a bit of decoding-particularly those found in cemeteries. 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.

A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography

Stories in Stone

a field guide to New York City cemeteries & their residents

Stories in stone New York

Written in both English and Mandarin, this is a cultural exploration of the hutongs, one of the oldest areas of China¿s capital city. Journey with a young girl and her cousin as they ride past the sights of Beijing and through the hutong¿s narrow streets, full of shops and friendly people. At Grandmother¿s house, the girls get to help Grandmother make a special Chinese treat: dumplings (jiaozi)! The recipe is included so that you can make them with your own family. Ages 4-8. Full-color photos.

A Visit to Old-Town Beijing

To Grandmother's House

What would you want chiseled into a stone that would represent you and your life for all eternity? Douglas Keister, considered by many to be America's foremost authority on cemeteries, takes you on a tour of some of the country's most extraordinary memorials in Going Out in Style: The Architecture of Eternity. Keister's evocative photographs capture some of the most beautiful architecture in America in the places that one is least likely to look for it. Mausoleums, statues, and memorials are a connections between the modern world and the generations that went before us. Keister's lens bridges the distance between these two worlds. Featuring an introduction by American Cemetery Magazine associate editor Xavier Cronin, Going Out in Style is a comforting reminder that we can still make our mark in this world long after we've left it.

The Architecture of Eternity from the Author of Stories in Stone

Going Out in Style

The intrigue of death in the City of Love Paris, city of lights, city of love, city of magic, city of art, city of death. Around twelve million people call the Paris metropolitan area home, and millions more call it their permanent home, including upwards of seven million in the catacombs in the Montparnasse district. The cemeteries and monuments in Stories in Stone Paris cut across a wide swath of the last two hundred years of Paris history. With this field guide in hand, discover the funerary architecture, memorials and symbolism within twenty-eight of Paris’ notable resting places, including GPS coordinates for many gravesites. Douglas Keister has authored more than thirty-five critically acclaimed books. His wealth of books on architecture has earned him the title “America’s most noted photographer of historic architecture.” His book Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism has garnered a number of glowing reviews. Keister has also authored additional cemetery guides titled Forever Dixie, Forever L.A., and Stories in Stone New York. He lives in Chico, California.

A Field Guide to Paris Cemeteries & Their Residents

Stories in Stone Paris

Striking full-color photography complements a study of the use of the courtyard in indoor and outdoor design, capturing a diverse array of examples that range from ancient Rome and medieval Europe to modern-day San Diego, tracing the history of the design style, and explaining how a courtyard can set the mood and tone of any structure.

Intimate Outdoor Spaces

Courtyards

Stunning photographs, fascinating text, and easy GPS directions for finding gracious architecture, fabulous artwork, and memorable gravesites of famous Los Angeles “residents.” Award-winning photographer/writer Douglas Keister has authored thirty-six critically acclaimed books on residential architecture as well as those on cemetery exploration. He lives in Chico, California. A simple guide for cemetery lovers.

A Field Guide To Los Angeles Area Cemeteries & Their Residents

Forever L.A.

Buckle up as Douglas Keister takes you for a decidedly retro ride in the world of diminutive travel trailers in Teardrops and Tiny Trailers. The demand for vintage trailers-the smaller the better-has risen dramatically in recent years, with the most in-demand trailers being "teardrops," first manufactured in the 1930s and containing just indoor sleeping space and an outdoor exterior kitchen. Also profiled in the book are "canned ham" trailers, whose shape resembles the profile of a can of ham; small-size examples of America's most beloved vintage trailer, the Airstream; miniscule gypsy caravans in Europe; and fiberglass trailers made in Canada. Two hundred color photographs showcase these trailers' sleek exteriors, retro-styled interiors, and, in many cases, the restored classic cars that tow them. Teardrops and Tiny Trailers includes a resource section chock-full of places to locate vintage trailers, clubs to join, and rallies to attend. Photographer/writer Douglas Keister has authored thirty-six critically acclaimed books. His books on classic recreational vehicles include Ready to Roll, Silver Palaces, and Mobile Mansions. In addition, he has authored twenty-five books on architecture, including Inside the Bungalow, Storybook Style, Red Tile Style, Classic Cottages, and Cottages. Keister also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to dozens of magazines, newspapers, books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards worldwide. He lives in Chico, California.

Douglas Keister

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