Lapidarium: The Secret Lives of Stones

Written by Hettie Judah

Narrated by Nina Wadia

Inspired by the lapidaries of the ancient world, this audiobook is a beautiful collection of true stories about sixty different stones that have influenced our shared history

The earliest scientists ground and processed minerals in a centuries-long quest for a mythic stone that would prolong human life. Michelangelo climbed mountains in Tuscany searching for the sugar-white marble that would yield his sculptures. Catherine the Great wore the wealth of Russia stitched in gemstones onto the front of her bodices.
 
Through the realms of art, myth, geology, philosophy and power, the story of humanity can be told through the minerals and materials that have allowed us to evolve and create. From the Taiwanese national treasure known as the Meat-Shaped Stone to Malta’s prehistoric “fat lady” temples carved in globigerina limestone to the amethyst crystals still believed to have healing powers, Lapidarium is a jewel box of sixty far-flung stones and the stories that accompany them. Together, they explore how human culture has formed stone, and the roles stone has played in forming human culture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Audio
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9780593613030

Reviews for Lapidarium

[spinsterrevival · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’m contemplating tagging this as “stories” along with everything else as that’s what this book is really comprised of. Each stone mentioned contains a micro history which could be a biography, a mythological tale, science particulars, or something else fascinating (or all of those together). You do need to read it with google on hand to discover what the stone’s actual definition may be, but I enjoyed this interesting read very much (also was completely drawn in by its gorgeous cover—well done book designer).