No comments about Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture: North India : Foundations of North Indian Style C. 250 B.C.-A.D. 1100 (Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture).

No comments about Objects, Images, and the Word: Art in the Service of the Liturgy (Index of Christian Art Occasional Papers).

No comments about Temple Foundations: Essays on an Emerging Concept.

2 comments about Folk Art and Magic: Shamanism in Korea.

1. A coffee-table art book filled with photos rather than a work of critical scholarship. The first-half, which concerns itself with the art of shamanism, is pretty good. The second half is an analysis and description of shamanstic rituals; it's not so good. The author clearly knows and cares a lot about Korean shamanism and its art; and he gives a fair coverage of both. But just as clearly he's not a profesional photographer or scholar of religion. I really wanted to know about Korean shamanism and the book was helpful, so even though it's expensive I don't regret buying it at all. If you also really want to know, you won't regret it either.



2. The first half, focusing on the spirits and the iconography, is excellent. The rest of the book is, frankly, weak on content. It has a good bibliography and some good photography. The book is helpful if you plan to visit Buddhist temples or witness Shamanist kuts. On the other hand, if you are looking for academic work, this isn't it.

No comments about Dictionary of Women in Religious Art.

1 comments about In the Hand of the Holy Spirit: The Visionary Art of J.B. Murray.

1. J.B. Murray's abstract art leaves a vivid, immediate impression. Padgelek clearly explains Murray's African-Islamic and Evangelical Christian influences, an analysis which expands previous studies of this self-taught, visionary black artist. Padgelek's biography of Murray goes beyond academic analysis, to include Murray's overriding mission in his art-- a visionary experience of the Holy Spirit. Murray's essential sanity and commonsense within his religious context and 'calling' are sensitively treated. Although his work is primarily abstract, Murray often filled a painting's space with haunting, human faces and figures, as seen in the book's many illustrations. Padgelek adds to our appreciation of a unique talent. An excellent book!

No comments about Saints, Sinners, and Sisters: Gender and Northern Art in Medieval and Early Modern Europe.

1 comments about The Uta Codex: Art, Philosophy, and Reform in Eleventh-Century Germany.

1. This elegantly written and beautiful-produced book examines one of the most astonishing of medieval illuminated manuscripts, the Utta Codex. This Codex is one of the boldest and most intricate of early medieval manuscripts--a sumptuous volume that fully deserves the numerous illustrations and the learned commentary provided by Prof. Cohen. Prof. Cohen's account of the Codex explores its role in a monastic world undergoing reform. For example, he reveals the ways in which the Codex's illuminations were understood to suggest the place of monasteries and monastic reform in the harmonies of the larger world and universe. Drawing upon medieval images, texts and music theory, Prof. Cohen shows the Utta Codex to have been ambitious not only its illustrations but also in its vision of monastaries and monastic life. In the course of making this point, Prof. Cohen's book touches upon a host of other important and interesting issues, including the construction of memory and female patronage. Particularly intriguing are his suggestions about what may be the earliest known illustration of the "horned Moses." In short, Prof. Cohen provides a very rich account of a very rich work of art.

4 comments about Contempory Christian Music.

1. This book is perfect for our times. It is my experience that churches, pastors and congregations are totally confused and uninformed regarding music for their church. Mr. Miller gives a fair and complete explanation of all kinds of music and what it means. The objective view is based on the Bible. I think before we can argue about the "Comtemporary Christian Music Debate" we need to be well informed on every level. Mr. Miller does just that. The book helps to clarify what is true and what we have heard from others. Every Christian needs to be informed on this subject. His research is both fascinating and extensive. This unique treasure of information is a must for anyone searching true answers on Christian Music.
   
   Francine Larson, Co-Author of "Character Keys to a Bright Future."



2. There is nothing more divisive than the type of music used in churches across the country on Sunday mornings. Yet, do we need to quarrel? Author Steve Miller provides a biblical framework for deciding what type of music will speak to the hearts of people. What other criteria should we use? The best sections of the book deal with the history of church music. Great lessons are here! Can't wait for an updated version to be written by this writer.



3. Having read MANY books on the subject of contemporary music in the church, this is the best I have ever seen. It is sound, Biblical, thoroughly researched (11 years of research!), and balanced. If you have questions, or just want to learn about the history of Christian music, there is NO BETTER book.



4. This is definitely one of the best Christian books I have ever read! Steve Miller takes the reader through the whole history of Christian music, from the time when only psalms were acceptable, all the way up to CCM. In doing this he lovingly shows how all these different styles of music can communicate to completely different cultures and times. He also takes common arguments against CCM and breaks them down to show that our God is a God who can and does speak through all forms of music, whether it be traditional hymns, or more modern-day CCM. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's open to finding out more about God and music

No comments about Stadt und Kreuz: Beitrage zur Werler Stadt-, Kirchen- und Kunstgeschichte von den Anfangen bis 1661.