Book Description

As a record of Catholic religious objects, Thesaurus is at once theology and art history, superbly presented in finest detail. The book is divided into 5 chapters covering devotional objects, liturgical vestments, liturgical textiles, musical instruments, furniture, sacred vessels, and much more. Examples include an ancient key that was used to lock a tabernacle or an altar of repose; a 14th century bust containing relics of the person it represented; a sacred vessel in the shape of a dove that was used to hold consecrated hosts; and a papal cloak made of gold cloth. The more than 600 objects featured are accompanied by comprehensive captions that explain the origin of each object, its materials and purpose. This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in art, history, theology, and religion. ... Read more

Book Description

An introduction to the thought of one of the greatest perennialist authors of the twentieth century. Burckhardt's writings constitute a veritable language of the Spirit, and this volume opens doors into the worlds of traditional art, science, metaphysical doctrine and spiritual life.

Combining the erudition of a philosopher, art historian, and cultural anthropologist with the beauty of soul steeped in the spiritual traditions of both East and West, Burckhardt's range of subject matter was enormous. He was at home in every traditional civilization, and the present volume gives ample evidence to this fact in the extracts dealing with Medieval Christendom, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the religion of the Sun Dance. He was also well-acquainted with the perspectives of the modern world, as his critiques of the limitations of the theory of evolution and modern psychology show.

The importance of Burckhardt's writings is well summarized by the words of Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr (George Washington University): "[He] lived the truth of which he wrote. The exceptional light of intelligence which emanated from him pierced to the heart of the texts he studied and illuminated their meaning in a manner which is possible only by a person in whom the truth has descended from the plane of the mind to the centre of the heart and become fully realized." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fantastic Anthology of Burckhartd's Thought
"Burckhardt's thought (as expressed in The Essential Titus Burckhardt) is clear and soberingly articulated, his argumentation intuitive and profound" ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A necessary tool for the understanding of early christianity
While Mathews has crafted an thorough polemic against what he calls the "Emperor Mystique" prevalent as a key hermenuetic of early christian art, he stimulated me to go beyond the declared intent of his thoughtful book. The author opens the door to the polyvalence of the symbolism of the art of the church, particularly from the third through the sixth centuries. Mathews presents the adaptation of Greco-Roman art forms and their translation into the competitive contexts of christian origins. While I was persuaded that Alfoldi and Grabar probably went too far in their attempt to link the art of the church with an exclusively imperial model, I still believe that many christians would have recognized elements of this model in viewing the paintings and mosaics of the church. Religious symbolism can function in multiple ways, both singly and in combinations depending on various religious, political, social, and economic agenda. This book is a useful complement to Averil Cameron's "Christianity and the Rhetoric of Empire."

Mathews explains clearly why Christanity won over Antiquity.
This is a bold and clear reinterpretation of Early Christian Art. It moves the reader through a cany reseeing that respects and illuminates both the message and the people who received it. Mathews explains in an open and well documented way how Christian images fought and defeated the pagan gods. As an art historian trained with the rather confusing cannon of earlier scholarship I found it delightful reading. ... Read more

Book Description

Holy cards offer comfort, consolation, and encouragement to Catholics, who often carry these portable images of their favorite saints with them and use them in daily religious ritual. Given as remembrances at wakes and funerals, communions and confirmations, holy cards are also a widely popular-and highly collectible-form of folk art. This handsome volume, the only book available on the subject, is both a rich illustrated survey of this devotional art and a gallery of saints organized thematically along with brief biographies, attributes, and powers.

Prophets and angels, disciples and evangelists, martyrs and hermits, visionaries and mystics are among the religious figures in Catholicism represented here-in exquisite turn-of-the-century depictions that are at times dramatic or disturbing, at times moving or comforting. Barbara Calamari and Sandra Di Pasqua, who also collaborated on Novena and Holy Places, explain the often enigmatic symbolism in these cards in a beautiful book that makes an ideal gift for first communion, confirmation, or graduation. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Art and a Wonderful Cast of Characters
I am not a religious person, but when I saw the book Holy Cards on display at a local book store, I was drawn to it by its beautiful artwork, its colors, and the expressions on the faces of these saints. This is a fascinating depiction of human possibilites, with a wonderful cast of characters.

The book is divided into sections with heading such as martyrs, Hermits, Prophets and Angels, and Visionaries and Mystics. Each saint's story is told, triumphs and frailties and all, making them seem very real even to a nonbeliever. Saint Sebastian and many of the more well-known saints are here, but you'll also learn about Saint Emyidius, patron of earthquakes, Saint Paul the Hermit, patron of clothing industry workers, and Saint Rita of Cascia, saint of impossible causes.

I found this book fascinating and would recommend it to anyone, religious or not, who loves good art and wants to delve into the world of the human spirit.

WHO WERE THE SAINTS AND HOW ARE THEY DEPICTED IN ART
This is a must-have book for any person who has ever had a holy card or who has ever wondered why saints are depicted in certain circumstances. One doesn't have to read pages and pages about one saint......this book has a short, concise explanation of the saint. The unusualness involves the beautiful color pictures and the explanation of the symbols shown on the card. Every page has a picture that takes up 3/4's of the page. This book would be a wonderful addition to your library, as a gift for any young person; it could be a source of inspiration, knowledge and joy for men, women and children. I highly recommend you buy a copy. Also, it has the most beautiful cover jacket I have ever seen....by itself it could be framed and enjoyed. The gold flashed border around the saints pictured on the cover is a hint of the beauty within.

Simply Beautiful
I happened to glance down at a display table in my local bookstore and saw this book. I fell in love immediately with the beautiful pictures. That is no surprise since I own their first book "Novena". Wonderful explanations of the imagry on holy cards. Both books are "must have's" for anyone who love the saints and prayer.

Beautiful and Inspirational
The book "Holy Cards" is truly a labor of love. It showcases a good number of beautiful holy cards that are no longer printed. It explains the significance of symbols and colors used to portray each saint. It is a wonderful book for anyone curious about the lives of the saints, as well as those who have a fondness for antique Catholic religious articles. This book would also appeal to the art lover. I am proud to have some of the images from my private collection of holy cards displayed in this wonderful book! ... Read more

Book Description

The art controversies emerging in the Culture War in the U.S, involved artists from Catholic roots like Mapplethorpe, Serrano, Finley, and Gober; additionally, those who avoided notoriety with responses ranging from belief to outright rejection also reflect a sense of body and sexuality that is distinctly Catholic. ... Read more

Book Description

During the crusades, Ethiopians, Jews, Muslims, and Mongols were branded enemies of the Christian majority. Illustrated with strikingly imaginative and still disturbing images, this book reveals the outrageously pejorative ways these rejected social groups were represented--often as monsters, demons, or freaks of nature. Such monstrous images of non-Christians were not rare displays but a routine aspect of medieval public and private life. These images, which reached a broad and socially varied audience across western Europe, appeared in virtually all artistic media, including illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture, metalwork, and tapestry.

Debra Higgs Strickland introduces and decodes images of the "monstrous races," from demonlike Jews and man-eating Tartars to Saracens with dog heads or animal bodies. Strickland traces the origins of the negative pictorial code used to portray monsters, demons, and non-Christian peoples to pseudoscientific theories of astrology, climate, and physiognomy, some dating back to classical times. She also considers the code in light of contemporary Christian eschatological beliefs and concepts of monstrosity and rejection.

This is the first study to situate representations of the enemies of medieval Christendom within the broader cultural context of literature, theology, and politics. It is also the first to explore the elements of that imagery as a code and to elucidate the artistic means by which boundaries were effectively blurred between imaginary monsters and rejected social groups. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Scandalous and brilliant
Several art historians of my acquaintance, experts in the period, say that this is the best art history book ever written. I'm not an expert, but I can say that it's terrific, and one of the few academic books that, at first reading, had me lying on my back on the floor with my feet in the air, laughing hysterically. Steinberg had the audacity to wonder, looking at a Renaissance painting, why is it that Jesus's male member is so, well, *prominent*? Instead of averting his eyes (which is what most of us would do) he started looking for other paintings with which to compare it, and lo and behold, he discovered lots of them where indeed the painter seems to be deliberately *accenting* a part of the anatomy which normally one would expect to be concealed. He concludes that the painters were trying to show that the son of God had become Incarnate as a man in the most literal sense. In that sense, what seems scandalous to us is simply a manifestation of Renaissance humanism.

Beyond the screamingly funny prose lies a serious argument, about the Renaissance, and the way to do art history. Finally, Steinberg teaches the reader's eye how to look at a painting. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A beautiful collection of the artist's work and her thoughts
I inherited my appreciation for Carolyn Blish artwork from my father. When I came upon this book in a local bookstore, I immediately purchased it for his birthday which was a couple of months away. When I took the book home, I couldn't put it down. I discovered that Carolyn Blish paints so much more than just the beach scenes that I had become so fond of over the years. The paintings in "Drawing Closer" all struck me as being very calm and peaceful. In addition to reflections and stories shared by Carolyn Blish, the book is sprinkled with quotes from various individuals that beautifully match the spiritual feelings reflected in her work. As difficult as it was, I did indeed give the book to my father for his birthday. He was just as delighted with the book as I was. We have an added interest in this book. In the book, Ms. Blish talks about learning to fly a plane. My father may be the flight instructor mentioned in her book! This book is a feast for the eyes, the heart, and the soul. It is a must have for anyone who enjoys the work of Carolyn Blish. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Another wonderful book by Addiss!
This collection of zen masterpieces is one that you
will return to again and again. Addiss has managed
to cover the history of Japanese zen through ample
biographies of zen artists with numerous samples
of their painting and calligraphy. The book itself has
the wonderful ability to capture the spirit of zen and
Addiss, himself a marvelous artist and writer,
inspires readers with experiences of enlightenment
in just over 200 pages.

The Art of Zen: Paintings & Calligraphy by Japanese Monks
"The Art of Zen" is a beautiful, beautiful book and has taken its place on my read-again-and-again bookshelf. The 200+ page book is not only packed with the history of zen in Japan as exemplified by the major zen monk artists but complemented by many examples of their art. The history is divided into seven major periods that discussed the political and cultural climate of Japan as well as the philosophic perspective of Zen Buddhism.

There are extensive biographies of each of the major monk artists with examples of the work and, often times, their poetry. For example, the death poem of Ryonen, one of zen nuns, reads, "In the autumn of my 66th year, I've already lived a long time- The intense moonlight is bright upon my face. There's no need to discuss the principles of koan study; Just listen carefully to the wind outside the pines and cedars."

In addition, Addis brings an artist's eye to the paintings and his commentaries on technique, execution and innovation are enlightening (no pun intended)and help to explain how zen seeks to express the "inexpressible."

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Zen, in art, in the Japanese culture or with a desire to better understand the view of life seen by awakened men and women. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Explore one of the richest and most rewarding aspects of Western art with this comprehensive easy-to-use, portable guide to Christian symbols.

Organized like a primer, with hundreds of entries in 50 categories -- from A for Angels to Z for Zodiac -- this handy pocket reference enables you to recognize at a glance the identity and meaning of all the elements in any Christian work of art. 162 paintings from every century illustrate the enduring themes of our biblical heritage.

A short introductory essay explains how to use the handbook and the functions of symbols in art. Cross-references, illustrations, a detailed index, and the pocket-book size make A Handbook of Symbols in Christian Art an invaluable work for museum-goers, students, travelers, art collectors, and general readers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Concise and Informative
As stated, this is a handbook, therefore the format is easy to read and gives you the basic information. If something then strikes your fancy you can then do further research based upon this excellent starting reference point. If you have very little religious background this will help you understand Christianity in Art. Even Christians will find the book informative and full of things that they did not know. For example, did you know that the number 1000 represents eternity? The handbook is layed out alphabetically, beginning with angels and ending with zodiac, all for your convenience. My only complaint is that the art depicted is small, in black and white and therefore does not show the details of the pieces of art. A good book for anyone interested in art, specifically Christian Art. The explanations of the symbolism is very good, it tells you just enough.

Great Reference Book
This book is very informative and interesting. It is laid out in an easy to read way and is a great reference book for anyone who loves art. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who has ever looked at Christian art and wondered what exactly does it mean. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Especially informative for connoisseurs of Tibetan art
The Handbook Of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols by Robert Beer (who has studied and practice Tibetan thanga painting for more than thirty years) is a straightforward reference guide to the meaningful symbolism of sacred Tibetan art. Black-and-white illustrations depict all the major Buddhist symbols and motifs, while the text offers depth and interpretation behind the meaning and usage of each. The Handbook Of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is enthusiastically recommended for inclusion into Buddhist Studies and especially informative for connoisseurs of Tibetan art. ... Read more

Book Description

The Virgin of Guadalupe is known throughout Latin America-and indeed the world-as the patron saint of the downtrodden and oppressed. Since her miraculous apparition before the humble laborer Juan Diego in the countryside around Mexico City in the 16th century, millions have prayed to her and decorated their homes, churches, cars, and even their bodies with her saintly image.

In this vibrant and whimsically designed book, Marie-Pierre Colle brings together more than 125 color photographs revealing the many manifestations of the Virgin, from majestic oil paintings to brightly colored keychains. The passion and faith of the Virgin's followers provide ample inspiration for art of all varieties. Here is a shocking-pink neon altar by a contemporary artist, as well as sequined representations that brighten the banners celebrating the Virgin's Feast Day on December 12. Running alongside these images is the "Nican Mopohua," a famous poem written after her apparition. A beautiful counterpoint to the illustrations, it describes her encounter with Juan Diego and is featured in both Spanish and English. AUTHOR BIO: Marie-Pierre Colle, the daughter of a French father and a Mexican mother, was a great admirer of Mexican arts and crafts of every period. Her previous books include Vendome's Houses of Puebla and Latin American Artists in Their Studios. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Wounderful Translation
This is a book you will read over, and over. I could not put it down. This book shows the westerner the humor, warmth and insight that can be gain by reading and understanding the Tao Te Ching.

The books illustrations go complement the translation. They are beautiful and inspiring. Sargent did a great job on the water colors. Just as Legge did on the translation.

This book is is very readable and its lessons about life are truelly fantastic. They are wriiten in a wounderful sage like style. I think that you will find that this book does one of the best jobs of tranlatting Lao Tzu's insights on the true working of the universe in a manner that is very clear to us in the west.

A must have book.

An existance affirming book anyone can read in an half-hour.
Caution: This review is on the text only as I have not seen the pictures.

I read this book every day. Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching ,(along and in harmony with all the worlds great religious and philosophical texts and teachings) is one of the most truthful,practical and important manuals on existance ever written. I have read 7 tranlations and Mitchell's is the most accesible and beautiful I have ever found. While maintaining its intrinsic poetic grace, Stephen Mitchell allows the wisdom of one of human civilizations greates teachers to permeate your being in a gentle non ridgid way. The book is totally aproachable and its lessons about life and the true nature of reality are a miracle.

Mitchells translation , in a wonderfully simple and sage like style, illuminates the challenging aspects of the human condition while simutaneously explaining how to remain blissfully centered, in the moment and at peace. The martial artist's eye of the huricane. Lao Tzu's insights on the true workings of the universe have never been conveyed in a clearer or more digestible way than in Stephen Mitchells translation. Its power to display the omnipresent current that affects (and is) all life and existance is a marvel of writing. I read it in traffic, I read it in line at the bank, I read it for pleasure, I read it to acknowledge reality, I read it before and after practicing Tai-Chi.

Put into practice the wisdom conveyed by Mitchell will transform your life. You will go through life burning all your fuel while simutaneously relaxing as you become lovingly enveloped in existance. A natural outgrowth of practicing the wisdom in this book is to become more humble, loving, peaceful, self compassionate, forgiving,strong, flexible, virile and supple.

Along with certain books from the Bible I would want this book if ever imprisoned. Along the same lines if I ever won the lottery and found myself surrounded by nude supermodels I would want this book. This book has made me realize that life, regardless of circumstances may not always be pleasurable but the moments of displeasure are as valid, important and life-affirming as the moments of ecstasy. By allowing your consciousness to transcend your senses desire can't touch you. Without desire your heart opens up.

Great edition
In this version, Peg Streep edits James Legge's 19th century translation. The editing is a major bonus, as it adds something
to the overall flow of the work. Here is an example of the poetry of the words: "Abstinence from speech marks him who obeys the spontaneity of his nature." Whereas countless other translations are well worth the read, the text in this edition offers something every bit as beautiful as the artwork that accompanies it.

Astounding. Beautiful. Unparalleled.
I browsed and scanned countless translations of this book. I already had Mitchell's in mind because I had read his Bhagavad Gita and his Rilke and found it to be amazing. But all other translations seemed to fall short. This is by far the best translation of the Tao Te Ching out there. It is eloquent and beautiful, and simply and subtle. The poetry of the words is matched well with the unbelievable beauty of the accompanying art. Buy this book. Now. This is the most valuable thing one can read. If they taught this in high schools the world would be a better place.

Fresh perspective on this widely translated ancient text
Stephen Mitchell, editor of Dropping Ashes on the Buddha by Zen master Seung Sahn, delivers us a magnificently illustrated and lyrically fluid rendition of Lao Tzu's famous work. You know, this book has been translated so many times, that it's nearly impossible for us non scholars to prove or confirm which one is true or absolute. The approach I have taken with The Tao Te Ching has always been a task of comparing one translation to another, seeing both what they share in common together and where there is a disparity. I am partial to The Richard Wilhelm Edition, while second on my list is this one. Mitchell has taken the liberty of alternating back and forth "he" with the word "she" throughout this work in order to convey the original meaning of Master. For, in the Chinese language, no such distinction is made. Mitchell points out that since each one of us is essentially the "Master", there is no need to cling to some kind of male prototype. It's his translation, and he is free to do what he will with it. The shattering of dualism found throughout The Tao Te Ching, to myself, makes it clear this switch is wholly in the spirit of Tao.

Mitchell attributes his Zen training as being the primary reason he feels he relates to those ancient Chinese Taoist masters. After all, Zen is merely the literal result of Indian Vipassana meditation and Chinese Taoism intermingling. Stephen also used existent translations already established in a wide range of languages: English, French, and German. Now I probably wouldn't recommend this as the first translation of The Tao Te Ching for a "beginner" to read, but I'm by no means against the idea, either. It's not like it's injurious, and the prose is quite correct. I find this work in the same spirit as mostly all of the other versions I have read to date, with only slight variations. Needless to say, I really enjoyed this book immensely. I think you'll walk away with something, too. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Captivating Imagery from the Spirit World
I have tried time and again to pick up this book and read the text in sequence, but the full-page color plates of Pablo Amaringo's paintings always pull me away from the text and into the world of shamans, angels, devils, serpents, jungle cats, mermaids, and aliens. I've read a lot of the text, but usually I have done so in search of an explanation for the images in specific paintings.

My first ayahuasca experiences were under the guidance of Luis Eduardo Luna. His knowledge of plant lore, chemistry, shamanism, and human nature is awe-inspiring, and I do want to read his words, but the pull of Pablo Amaringo's images has been too strong for me to resist thus far. I'm glad to have this book on my shelf because whenever someone asks me about ayahuasca, I know that I can place this book in their hands and the images will capture their imagination and make them hungry to learn more.

Outstanding
If you wish a clear, objective overview of shamanic worldview, this book is outstanding. The introduction alone (which is all I have read so far) is worth a great deal. Without being dressed up in obscurities, there is much to learn here.

Excellent!
Along with Schultes' and Raffauf's Vine of the Soul, this is one of the best books on ayahuasca ever written. Luis Eduardo Luna is one of the world's leading authorities on this intriguing subject and Pablo Amaringo is equally knowledgeable. A treasure trove of info and art for anyone interested in art, the Amazon, and shamanism- ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mary: Images of the Holy Mother is Jacqueline Orsini's beautiful,succinct, pictorial survey of art history's many incarnations of the VirginMother, from a fresco in the Roman catacombs to a modern mural in San Francisco.The book is organized chronologically, collecting reproductions of Mary'sconstantly transforming image in Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance,Counter Reformation, and various 20th century movements. Artistsrepresented in the book include Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh,Chagall, and Gauguin. At every stage in this evolution, Orsini's compilation ofimages is guided by her conviction that "Mary transcends the media, the temporaland regional restrictions, and human limitations that govern her image in anyone era. The meaning of the icon outweighs the individual artist or epoch."Therefore, this book becomes an occasion for inspiration; turning its pagesprovides an experience of communion. Orsini writes, "As we look at Mary, shelooks back at us through the eyes of art." --Paul Power ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Chronicle.
As usual, Chronicle Books presents a lavish book. This is simply a physically beautiful work. I would not be surprised in the least if giving this book becomes a First Communion or Confirmation gift tradition. ... Read more