Past Publications

Ang Choulean, Olivier Cunin, Claude Jacques, and T. S. Maxwell
Bayon. New Perspectives. [ed.: Joyce Clark]
Bangkok: River Books, 2007.
ISBN: 978-974-9863-47-3

After a preparation period of six years, the volume "Bayon - New perspectives" will be published in July 2007. The Bayon is one of the best known and at the same time least understood buildings of the old Khmer. With its impressive architecture and above all its enigmatic face towers, it has become one of the symbols of ancient Cambodian architecture. In this anthology, renowned scholars attempt to approach the Bayon building and its significance from various points of view, thus showing new approaches to understanding this monumental architecture.

From the cover text:
"It is more than 30 years since the story was last told of the Bayon, the enigmatic state temple of Jayavarman VII, the greatest king of ancient Angkor. Recently, researchers from several diciplines have again been probing the mysteries of this extraordinary monument and is giant face towers. [...] Bayon. New perspectives brings together for the first time leading scholars whose findings and insights challenge, not always in consensus, many of the earlier interpretations of the Bayon's art, architecture and inscriptions. ....“

From the table of contents:
Claude Jaques: The historical development of Khmer culture from the death of Sūryavarman II to the 16th century. (28-49) Ann-Valérie Schweyer: The confrontation of the Khmers and Chams in the Bayon period. (50-71)
T.S. Maxwell: Religion at the time of Jayavarman VII. (72-121)
The short inscriptions of the Bayon and contemporary temples. (122-135)
Olivier Cunin: The Bayon: an archaeological and architectural study. (136-229)
Peter D. Sharrock:The mystery of the face towers.
Ang Choulean: In the beginning was the Bayon.

Jaroslav Poncar and Thomas S. Maxwell
Of Gods, Kings and Men. The reliefs of Angkor Wat
Mannheim: Edition Panorama, 2007
ISBN-13: 978-3-89823-287-6 (Edition Panorama) 38 €.

Since February 2007 the book "Of Gods, Kings and Men. The reliefs of Angkor Wat" is available in bookshops. The book contains numerous photos of the bas-reliefs of the third enclosure wall of the Khmer temple of Angkor Wat. The photographs by Jaroslav Poncar show the richness of detail of these unique reliefs in an impressive way. The text by Thomas S. Maxwell explains the content of the reliefs and for the first time offers clues for understanding the entire range of images of this enclosure. Starting from the reliefs, the reader gains insight into the world of imagination of the client, the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII, and his time. Historical events and religious concepts are set in relation to Angkor Wat and the reliefs and thus contribute to a deeper understanding of this art.