1 comments about Coptic Monasteries: Egypt's Monastic Art and Architecture.

1. Gawdat came to my college this summer and taught about Coptic Art History using this book. The course was just wonderful and Gawdat is a great teacher. The book is very well written, and readable even for someone like me who knows almost nothing about Coptic monasteries and art. The book makes you want to learn more, and there are plenty of references for exploring topics further. The book provides more up to date information than many sources, including information not found in the Coptic Encyclopedia (from 1991). The text is highly readable, but not dumbed down. The book is short, but informative, and has some good color photos of the art and architecture from each monastery. Also included are groundplans and maps. The information is relevant for any scholar of medieval and/or Coptic art history, and is useful also for visitors travelling to Egypt. You'll definitely want to visit at least one of these monasteries in addition to the pyramids if you go to Egypt. All in all, a good book for people new to Coptic art and great for those who are scholars as well. The text is written in an art historical style. I highly recommend this book for students of art history, especially if you are at all interested in the beginnings of monasticism and medieval art history.

No comments about Art and Judaism in the Greco-Roman World: Toward a New Jewish Archaeology.

No comments about The Visual Culture of American Religions.

2 comments about Abbot Suger on the Abbey Church of St. Denis and Its Art Treasures.

1. "This was precisely...what St. Bernard had thundered against...
   No figure painting or sculpture...,gems, pearls, gold and silk were forbidden...
   Suger, however, was frankly in love with splendor and beauty in every
   conceivable form."
   [On the Abbey Church of St. Denis]
   One of the few early accounts on the gothic cathedral building. Introduction itself is worth the money. Mr. Panofsky is explaining political, social and personal influences that together with Suger's psychological traits led to the construction of what is supposed to be the first Gothic catedral - St. Denis. The keyword here is "influences" - do not expect to learn the construction process or anything of that kind. Account itself does not contains many construction details, but deserves your attention indeed. Kind regards, Mario.



2. This is an OPUS MAGNUS of profound erudition! An indispensable must have for any student of Gothic Art & Architecture. From sheathed shafts thrusting upwards penetrating groin vaults to the most scholarly look nto this seminal figure in the Middle Ages, this text has it all! While certainly not a light read, it is a and important and pivotal work in the scholarship of the beginning of the Gothic era. It should be more readily available.

4 comments about Symbols in Stone: Symbolism on the Early Temples of the Restoration.

1. I read this wonderful book 8 or 9 years ago while preparing to enter the temple. It opened my eyes to the world of Gospel Symbolism and started me on a path to writing my own book about the temple. (Prepare Now for the Temple)
   
   I also recommend these other books by Matthew B. Brown: The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple, JOSEPH SMITH: The Man, the Mission, the Message, All Things Restored: Confirming the Authenticity of Lds Beliefs and The Plan of Salvation: Doctrinal Notes and Commentary



2. Excellent reading and excellent book for all Latter-day Saints who hold temple recomends. This has got to be the only Church that does not rely only on scriptures for salvation but through a living prophet! How could these prophets in the 1800's in the last days make-up all these symbols when they are incorporated in the Old Testament. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, Where did they get the resources or internet for these men in the early 1800's? Answer: There was none. More than just reading the bible needed to take place, but through revelation. The accuracy of the book is flawless!



3. The authors take a detailed look at the Kirland, Nauvoo and Salt Lake City temples and discuss the architecture of each building and the symbolism of various designs in each of the temples. The book is well organized and easy to read. There are good illustrations to help the reader visualize what the authors are discussing. The book has good footnotes and a bibliography for further study. A great plus for the book is that it avoids wierd interpretations of various things like the Saturn stones that were supposed to be put on the Salt Lake Temple but weren't.



4. I have found this book to be very interesting/intriquing. It has pictures of symbols found on the early Mormon temples and explains what their meanings are.

1 comments about Hindu Gods & Goddesses 2008 Calendar.

1. This calendar is very beautiful. I only wish the colors were more vibrant however the details are truly lovely. Also, the description of each picture is a nice bonus. They make a very nice gift for oneself and others.

3 comments about Blessed Art Thou: Mother, Lady, Mystic, Queen.

1. This book presents images and reflections on the Blessed Mother that take rich traditional language and imagery for a new day. Michael McGrath's paintings particularly are beautiful, playful, devotional. The whole book inspired me and connected me with Mary --and throught her to the living Church and to God.
   The book reminds me of the value of beauty as a gateway to God.



2. Beautiful artwork, fascinating personal insights by the author, and meaningful prayers. Taking numerous names given to Mary (Queen of Angels, Gate of Heaven, Virgin, etc.) the artist (and author) created pictures and his own modern, personal view of how Mary fits these titles and what they mean. The author shares how he chose to do each picture (inspiration, colors, etc.) and it's wonderful to look at the picture and feel what he was trying to express. The author makes Mary more personable and down to earth. For example-instead of Mary sitting on a throne as other artists have been wont to do, this artist places her in a rocking chair. He brings her to us where we are. Wonderful book.



3. Both the art work and the prayers in this book are beautiful. I like the way the authors see Mary as a kind of symbol of the Holy Spirit, reminding us of God's feminine dimension. As the artist states, this book is for those "who find delight in a God who is more than white and male." It is inspired and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about In a Spiritual Style: The Home As Sanctuary.

1. An inspirational book that can help make your home a more peaceful place to live, work, and meditate in. I enjoyed looking at the photos and reading the text. I would ceretainly recommend buying a copy.



2. This is one of my favorite books to look through. There are so many full color photographs of different altars and sacred spaces. I get so many ideas from this book. Its one of those books that you just pick up now and again for inspiriation. The author truly has the creative spark. My favorite are the photographs of the authors santeria shrines. The Orisha must be pleased with what the author has created for them. Ashe to Laura Cerwinske!



3. As you browse throught this book you will feel inspired in many ways; you will be inspired spiritually of course but also at looking at the world in a different way. In this book the differences between religions are erased, the belief in ancient dieties mesh with contemporary reflections of Jesus, Buddah, Hindu Shiva and Shakti figures, African fetish figures or sculptures are intermingled with Burmese textiles and Mexican altars , complete with crosses adorned with milagros are juxtaposed on other pages with devil wood carvings and images of death in the form of calaveras (skeletons). There is even a section on Santeria altars where the text explains the origins of the religion as coming with the slaves from Yoruba to Cuba and spreading throughout the Caribbean. The book is organized with a text and accompanying pictures of the history of sacred design and the meaning of santuary. If you look at the table of contents you will see that the author explores gardens, rooms and shrines, altars , art and artifacts. The text is less than spellbinding but the pictures are magnificent. The author takes you into several artists homes and naturally they are some of the most spectacular. If you are into wood work from New Mexico than you are in for a real treat. There is nearly a two page spread of renowned santero Ramon Jose Lopez bedroom that shows his "chapel" where he sleeps. The bed has six panels, featuring various saints, a room divider with more hand carved panels of saints, many styles of crosses, including an altar made of wood in form of a pyramid where each level is lit by candle light and colorful retablos. It is a sight to behold and helps explain the inspired beautiful work by Lopez. In general this is a book that opens up the possibilities for creativiy to flow and create your own santuary. Having a mini altar myself that continues to grow and having seen some impressive homes where sacred places exist , this book helps to borrow ideas from or develop some new ideas. The gardens featured range from simple, rustic places to elaborate arts of work complete with sculptural panels and life sized sculptures looking as though they are dancing in the garden in their inanimate state. The colorful pictures seem to reveal something new each time you look at the book, it as though the spirits reveal themselves when the time is right. A fine book for browsing after taking a break from the task at hand, this book will inspire you and elevate your senses as you look to the heavens and give thanks for all the beauty around you.



4. I found this book inspiring. Many different icons and symbolizations are represented from various sects of religion so I believe it has broad appeal. I witnessed glorious worlds beyond my own which to me is the very essence of opening a book in the first place. The photographs are lovely and each time through I have noticed something different in detail from the time before. Serenity flows from the pages.

   We were inspired by another book, Holy Personal by Laura Chester, and built a 10' x 12' meditation room in our back garden. In A Spiritual Style has only affirmed our desire to transform our interior living spaces into sacred, meaningful places of comfort and self-expression for our family as well.




5. Beautiful to browse through, but steeped in a sort of spiritual narcissism which I found distasteful. The writing is disjointed and overall, the book poorly organized. A disappointment.

No comments about Crosses of Ethiopia: The Sign of Faith. Evolution and Form.

1 comments about Theaters of Conversion: Religious Architecture and Indian Artisans in Colonial Mexico.

1. I loved this book, and am currently doing something I've done only twice in my life. I finished it and have turned back to the beginning to read it again.
   Not only is the material absolutely fascinating, but the author is a lovely writer. I go to Mexico frequently, and this book will change and profoundly deepen the way I look at so many of the old churches and convents I've always enjoyed visiting.
   The author should consider organizing a tour of the places covered in this work. I'd love to go.
   Connie Green, Napa CA