A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues

It is easy to hate and difficult to love because when societies fracture into warring tribes, we demonize those who oppose us and tear down our statues, forgetting that what begins with the destruction of statues often leads to the killing of people. A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues is a compelling exploration of identity and power that spans every continent, religion, and era, through the creation and destruction of 21 statues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Aurum Press

Why is it easy to hate and difficult to love? When societies fracture into warring tribes, we demonise those who oppose us. We tear down our statues, forgetting that what begins with the destruction of statues, often leads to the killing of people. Blending history, philosophy, and psychology, A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues is a compelling exploration of identity and power. This remarkable book spans every continent, religion, and era, through the creation and destruction of 21 statues from Hatshepsut and the Buddhas of Bamiyan to Mendelssohn, Edward Colston, and Frederick Douglass.

The 21 statues are:

Hatshepsut (Ancient Egypt)
Nero (Suffolk, UK)
Athena (Syria)
Buddhas of Bamiyan (Afghanistan)
Hecate (Constantinople)
Our Lady of Caversham (near Reading, UK)
Huitzilopochtli (Mexico)
Confucius (China)
Louis XV (France)
Mendelssohn (Germany)
The Confederate Monument (US)
Sir John A. Macdonald (Canada)
Christopher Columbus (Venezuela)
Edward Colston (Bristol, UK)
Cecil Rhodes (South Africa)
George Washington (US)
Stalin (Hungary)
Yagan (Australia)
Saddam Hussein (Iraq)
B. R. Ambedkar (India)
Frederick Douglass (US)

The statues represent different historical and cultural contexts, ranging from ancient Egypt to modern-day America. They have been created and destroyed for various reasons, including political ideologies, religious beliefs, and cultural changes. The book explores the complex relationships between love and hate, identity, and power, using the statues as a lens through which to examine these themes.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the idea of identity. The statues represent different identities, including national, religious, and cultural identities. They are often used to promote or perpetuate certain ideologies, such as nationalism or religious extremism. However, the statues can also be seen as symbols of resistance against these ideologies, as they are often destroyed or defaced by those who oppose them.

Another theme explored in the book is the power of identity. The statues represent the power of individuals and groups to shape public opinion and influence political outcomes. They can be used to promote or perpetuate certain ideologies, such as colonialism or racism, or to challenge and dismantle them. The power of identity is also explored in the context of historical trauma and oppression. The statues can be seen as symbols of the trauma and suffering experienced by marginalized communities, such as the victims of slavery or colonialism.

The book also examines the role of love and hate in shaping human relationships. It argues that love and hate are two sides of the same coin, and that they are often intertwined in complex ways. Love can be a powerful force for good, promoting social cohesion and empathy. However, it can also be used to justify hate and violence, as seen in the case of historical atrocities committed in the name of love.

The book also explores the complexities of human emotions and motivations. It argues that human emotions are often complex and multifaceted, and that they are often influenced by a range of factors, including cultural norms, social pressures, and personal experiences. The book explores the ways in which these emotions can be manipulated and exploited, as well as the ways in which they can be used to promote positive change.

Overall, A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of identity, power, and the complex relationships between love and hate. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, philosophy, and psychology, and for anyone who wants to better understand the complexities of human emotions and motivations.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780711266131