ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores inter-national and trans-national preservation effort at Niagara Falls. It presents case studies, each from a different disciplinary perspective. However, politics, art and architecture, and religion intertwine. The book focuses on Constantinople where preservation of the Hagia's Sophia mosaics by the Sultan led to British attempts to redeem the building for Christendom; this building has subsequently become part of a World Heritage Site. Preservation in Ceylon took place within the context of the British Empire, though religion and aesthetics were important factors for Governor Gregory; here, too sites are now inscribed on the World Heritage List. The process of associating beauty and the sublime with international places as well as with divinity was doubtless further enhanced by the awe-inspiring, steam-powered modes of transport that made them accessible.
