Book Review 2-12 “The Lost City of Machu Picchu”

Today, I read a book about Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is wonderful ancient city. It is nearly 8000 feet up in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

In this book, there is not only the introduction of Machu Picchu. The thoughts of people who live near Machu Picchu were also written. Recently, many tourists visit the city to go and watch Machu Picchu. The tourists spend money and enrich the city. But on the other hand some tourists apprehensive of the environmental destruction. The problem is what both of them can understand reasons each other. But most people think that Machu Picchu must be exposed for all visitors because Machu Picchu is a worldwide heritage in genetral.

I was interested in mysterious Machu Picchu and the city. If I visit tourist attractions, I must think about the future of the heritage. And I want to go to Machu Picchu absolutely someday.

Reference

Rob, W. (2008). The Lost City of Machu Picchu. Melbourne: Thomson Learning Australia.

[173 words]

Book Review 2-09 “Galileo Galilei And The Beginning Of Modern Science”

I read the Galileo Galilei And The Beginning Of Modern Science. In this book, career of Galileo Galilei is introduced. I had known only his name. I was surprised when I knew his career.

Galileo Galilei was born in Italy in the 16th century. I think he was so clever person. It is because he was an astronomer and physicist. He was the first person who used a telescope to see many of the planets and stars, and he discovered many important facts about astronomy. He accomplished many feats. But he got the death punishment and died. I could not understand at first. Why was he gotten the death punishment though he accomplished many feats?

It is because he dispersed an idea. The idea was contrary to the Christ’s teaching. He thought that the earth isn’t the center of the space and it moves in the space, that is to say the heliocentric system. In that time, people were thinking that the earth is the center of the space and all things go round the earth. The thought was based on belief in God. It was implicit truth. In that age, Galilei make the idea public. Naturally he was gotten the accusation. Churches urged him to give up the idea. But he continued the study. He was accused again and gotten the death penalty.

I think that his idea is great invention in history. He knew the truth, but he wasn’t accepted by then people. Religion and belief affected thought of people. And people won’t leave for outside of the thought. His idea was in advance of the times. He died unhappily, but I think the existence of him was essential for present people.

[311 words]

Reference
Carmel, R. (2007). GALILEO GALILEI AND THE BEGINNING OF MODERN SCIENCE. Melbourne: Thomson Learning Australia.

Book Review 2-08 “GETTING THE PICTURE”

In this book, the history of photography is introduced. I thought that the word of “photography” is new word in human history. It is because photography does not exist in the old days. But in fact, the notion of “photography” exists from old days. The word “photography” means “to draw with light”. It comes from two words of Greek. Photos means light. And graphe means “to write or draw".


The origin of camera is a dark room with a hole. A small hole was drilled at a wall in a square room. And light which flooded from the hole projected the outside view on the opposite wall. After some age, the rooms became small portable boxes. A lens was put in place of the hole. Light which flooded was projected at paper. It was used by artists for sketch. The box was improved.

In 1839, the world’s first photograph was taken by Joseph Nicephore Niepce. He took 8 hours to take the photograph. In 1990s, more people started taking photos. But cameras are so expensive in the time.

Recently, people take photograph with digital cameras. Digital cameras became popular quickly. Most people take photos with them rather than with film cameras. Digital cameras are small and easy to use. And we can watch the photos before we print them. I take “puri-kura” at times. I can take a picture with it, draw some illustrations and words, and get the picture as a sticker. I think it is natural behavior. But it is wonderful camera of civilization. I knew the history of photograph. And I think I receive benefit from wisdom of ancestors.

[291 words]

Reference
Carmel, R. (2008). GETTING THE PICTURE. Melbourne: Thomson Learning Australia.

Book Review 2-2

GUCCI –Business in fashion


GUCCI is famous around the world for beautiful and expensive clothes and products. In this book, the history and achievement of GUCCI are introduced.


GUCCI is an old company. The company was started by Guccio Gucci in 1921 in small town of Italy. A chance that GUCCI became famous was a wonderful idea of Guccio Gucci. One day, he thought of line of green/ red/ green. The famous GG logo came from a stirrup. And the line came from the design of a horse’s saddle. People liked these products. I didn’t know the logo and the line came from a horse. It is very interesting. I think that the key of success is an impression of the trade mark.


Many famous people around the world wear GUCCI. We can see famous people in photographs and on television and magazine. When they wear clothes of GUCCI, they advertise GUCCI product. In this way, GUCCI can get an image of the expensive and rich company.


I think that fashion is a mass of images. When there is a simple bag, someone gives a concept to it. Then, it becomes a valuable thing. I think that the quality and wills of maker change products. I always buy clothes of mass production. But I try sometimes to think about the message and concept of clothes.


(237 word)


Reference
Paola, T. (2001). GUCCI ~Business in Fashion. England: Pearson Education Limited.