Drahé kameny starověkých civilizací

Gemstones of ancient civilizations

Ivan Mrázek

Gemstones are masterpieces of nature, and their mysterious sparkle has fascinated man from time immemorial. The representative publication conveys the history of precious stones, as well as history as such. Gemstones on its 382 pages, in 332 photographs and 50 illustrations reveal to us the life and problems of ancient civilizations. The compelling text and extensive visual material draw readers directly into the long gone times which they discover step by step thanks to the systematic documentation of archaeological finds – artefacts made of precious stones. The book is unique in its scope; it presents a summary of the existing knowledge about the subject. It will be of use to experts on various ancient civilizations and those interested in mineralogy and archaeology, but it will also certainly impress any lover of beauty, history and precious stones.

„The result of many years of efforts of dr. Mrázek is a remarkable work that is not easy to classify, because it interweaves mineralogy, geology, but also general and cultural history. It is an extensive fresco providing a unique picture of the ancient world.“

(prof. RNDr. Vladimír Karpenko;
laudatio for the Josef Hlávka Prize for scientific literature)

Josef Hlávka Prize for scientific literature