Below is an easy-to-browse gallery
of books that cater to those who are interested in visiting Zimbabwe or learning
more about its ancient past. The majority of descriptions below are by independent
editors. Feel free to purchase these books directly from Amazon.com!
Zimbabwe's
Heavenly Ruins: A Mystery Explained :
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are acknowledged as one of the most impressive monuments
in Africa, but also one of the most mysterious. Many scholars have investigated
them without coming to any agreement on the identify of their builders, their
purpose or even their date.
The author considers the ruins in both an African
and a global context, and reviews investigations of other archaeological and historical
enigmas around the world. He finds previously unsuspected connections between
Zimbabwe and ancient civilisations such as the Phoenicians and the builders of
the Giza pyramids. Finally he offers a truly 'heavenly' explanation for Great
Zimbabwe.
Legacy on the Rocks: The Prehistoric Hunter-gatherers
of the Matopo Hills, Zimbabwe :
The Matopo Hills, an area of rugged and majestic hills in Zimbabwe, contain a
staggering number of prehistoric rock paintings. Eighteen years of fieldwork in
this area has produced a stunning collection of rock art images, many previously
unpublished and probably unique to the Matopo region. These rock paintings are
a unique record of hunter-gatherer society and provide insights into the relationship
between hunter-gatherers and immigrant pastoralists, evidence that is generally
lacking in the archaeology of the area.
Well over one thousand painted
panels have been closely observed and the illustrations presented here have been
drawn from 124 separate sites. The exact copies have been produced using techniques
that scrupulously avoid direct contact with the images and are the work of Janet
Duff, a scientific illustrator. This method emphasises the importance of conservation
and preservation which is also discussed extensively in the book. An evocative
look at the work of a lost people, this study is intended to stimulate further
research and interpretation of these incredible paintings.
"...this lovingly photographed publication presents (along with 216 vibrant
color photographs) an amazing amount of good research about Zimbabwe, her history
and culture - both modern and ancient. It also contains a wealth of thoughtfully
written information on the Shona sculptors and their now internationally sought
after art form." -- PBS, All Things Considered, 1995.
Practical, informative and user-friendly, the Globetrotter Travel Guide to Zimbabwe
highlights the major places of interest, describing their principal attractions
and offering sound suggestions on where to tour, stay, eat, shop and relax. This
guide is ideal for the first time visitor with over 40 full-color area maps, town
plans and locator maps as well as over 80 full color photographs.
Whether you're seeking sedate pursuits or adventure activities, Zimbabwe is a
rich and diverse playground for travellers. From fascinating ruins to the adrenaline-pumping
extreme sports of Victoria Falls, this guide is your perfect companion.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are acknowledged as one of the most impressive monuments
in Africa, but also one of the most mysterious. Many scholars have investigated
them without coming to any agreement on the identify of their builders, their
purpose or even their date. 
The Matopo Hills, an area of rugged and majestic hills in Zimbabwe, contain a
staggering number of prehistoric rock paintings. Eighteen years of fieldwork in
this area has produced a stunning collection of rock art images, many previously
unpublished and probably unique to the Matopo region. These rock paintings are
a unique record of hunter-gatherer society and provide insights into the relationship
between hunter-gatherers and immigrant pastoralists, evidence that is generally
lacking in the archaeology of the area. 
"...this lovingly photographed publication presents (along with 216 vibrant
color photographs) an amazing amount of good research about Zimbabwe, her history
and culture - both modern and ancient. It also contains a wealth of thoughtfully
written information on the Shona sculptors and their now internationally sought
after art form." -- PBS, All Things Considered, 1995.
Practical, informative and user-friendly, the Globetrotter Travel Guide to Zimbabwe
highlights the major places of interest, describing their principal attractions
and offering sound suggestions on where to tour, stay, eat, shop and relax. This
guide is ideal for the first time visitor with over 40 full-color area maps, town
plans and locator maps as well as over 80 full color photographs.
Whether you're seeking sedate pursuits or adventure activities, Zimbabwe is a
rich and diverse playground for travellers. From fascinating ruins to the adrenaline-pumping
extreme sports of Victoria Falls, this guide is your perfect companion.
