The Destruction of Memory

Architecture at War

By: Robert Bevan

Write A Review

Paperback | 1 May 2016 | Edition Number 2

At a Glance

Paperback
240 Pages

Edition Type
Enlarged

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.9 x 2.3

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$24.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $6.19 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

Crumbled shells of mosques in Iraq, the fall of the World Trade Center towers on September 11: when architectural totems such as these are destroyed by conflicts and the ravages of war, more than mere buildings are at stake. The Destruction of Memory-now available in this accessible, pocket edition-reveals the extent to which a nation weds itself to its landscape. Robert Bevan argues that such destruction not only shatters a nation's culture and morale but is also a deliberate act of eradicating a culture's memory and, ultimately, its existence.

Bevan combs through world history to highlight a range of wars and conflicts in which the destruction of architecture was pivotal. From Cortez's razing of Aztec cities to the carpet bombings of Dresden and Tokyo in World War II to the war in the former Yugoslavia, The Destruction of Memory exposes the cultural war that rages behind architectural annihilation, revealing that in this subliminal assault lies the complex aim of exterminating a people. He provocatively argues for "the fatally intertwined experience of genocide and cultural genocide," ultimately proposing the elevation of cultural genocide from "collateral damage" to a crime punishable by international law.

Industry Reviews

"The message of Robert Bevan's devastating book is that war is about killing cultures, identities and memories as much as it is about killing people and occupying territory. War is not just licensed murder but licensed vandalism. Since people are replaceable but buildings and cultures not, the destruction of buildings is often the more ferocious." --Simon Jenkins"The Sunday Times (UK)" (02/26/2005)

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.