Frozen Tombs of Siberia: the Pazyryk Burials of Iron Age Horsemen by Rudenko, Sergei I. and M. W. Thompson - 1970

Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1970. First English Edition. Hardcover. G (Ex-art library, with spine label and few interior marks; dj is torn in middle of front cover; both hinges are quite loose, suggesting at least one topple to the floor; pages are aging but nice; a possible candidate for rebinding.). Black cloth, brown and color illus. dust jacket in mylar cover, 340 text pp., plus 147 BW plates, 146 figures in text, 33 color plates. Originally published in Russian in 1953. "One of the most remarkable pieces of archaeology of this century. Unrelieved dryness or wetness can preserve wood, leather, or textiles, but in a limited area of the world -- Siberia and Mongolia -- constant freezing may have the same results. Among the ancient burials from that area the most spectacular remains to have survived are at Pazyryk in the Altai mountains of Western Siberia. They are about 2,500 years old, and even organic material was preserved by 'refrigeration' in virtually pristine condition." (dj) Reveals many fascinating finds.