No comments about Acting out faith: Christian theatre today.

No comments about Icons from Bulgaria.

No comments about Theatercraft, Creativity and the Art of Drama (Wheaton Literary Series).

1 comments about The Artless Jew: Medieval and Modern Affirmations and Denials of the Visual.

1. Bland does not adequately connect the medieval and the modern, leaving a gap between the two periods. Further, he is clearly more adept at analyzing the medieval period as his discussion of the modern lacks the same level of critical penetration. In sum, I found Bland's book to be bland.

No comments about The Christian Story: Five Asian Artists Today.

No comments about Mornings with masters of art (Chautauqua home reading series).

No comments about Fairford Parish Church: A Medieval Church and Its Stained Glass.

No comments about The Creative Gift: Essays on Art and the Christian Life.

1 comments about Ten Lives of the Buddha: Siamese Temple Painting and Jataka Tales.

1. I started to collect Thai paintings long before I picked up a copy of the Ten Lives of the Buddha in 1982. As a serious collector, I try to find whatever available information there is about the subject and this book has provided me with invaluable background in understanding this particular art. The masterpieces reproduced in this book represent the best of this rich and unique artistic heritage. The ten lives of the Buddha are recounted in a lively narrative style that recreates the realms of myth and legend forming a vital part of the culture of the entire Buddhist world. Jataka paintings are not only works of art in their own right but also sermons in line and color. ()

3 comments about Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons (Art of Devotion).

1. An easy way to be introduced to the Ramayana epic. Right to the point! I would still advise after this introduction purchasing a more detailed version of this story. Great fun read!



2. Ramayana - A tale of Gods and Demons by Ranchor Prime is a colorfully produced, beautifully illustrated and well printed book. It was originally published as a full color bigger art book. The present Mandala Classic edition is also eye catching. The cover depicts Hanuman, the Monkey God and the servant, devotee and friend of Sri Rama. Hanuman looks charming indeed on the cover and I was thus attracted to take up the book ahead of the que of books awaiting review. The inner pages too are well printed. The illustrations by Shri BG Sharma are really appealing and add visual value to the well-printed book.
   
   Tha story of Rama is now fairly well known, but bears repetition and retelling again and again. Ranchor Prime followed a particular translation of Valmiki's Ramayana. His narration is good. A few incidents as depicted in this book appeared odd to the reviewer who read different versions. One example is that the queens of King Dasaratha received Dasaratha and his party on return from Mithila with Sita. Another example is that Ravana is depicted as dragging Sita by her hair to his chariot. The story which the reviewer read is different, wherein Ravana doesn't even touch Sita but makes her swoon by showing his frightening form and then lifts her up indirectly by digging up the earth surrounding her body. The reason was that Ravana was cursed by another beautiful woman Vedavati that he will die if he ever touches a woman against her wish.
   
   There are a few more similar differences in the story, but in general, the story is well told. One important omission is the story regarding Aditya Hridayam, the Heart of Sun, a glorious hymn in praise of Sun God, told to Rama by Sage Agastya. Ravana's death was certainly felicitated by Sun God's blessings of Rama's efforts. Aditya Hridayam is one of the most beautiful hymns of Valmiki Ramayan and is chanted daily by lakhs of devotees.
   
   This book will be a good read for children and adults who are interested in Hindu mythology.
   
   Note: Swamy is part of my name and I am not a Sanyasi (monk), though I do have spiritual leanings and devotion to Sri Rama, God in human form. I am married and am employed full time.



3. Very beautifully and tastefully done. This book tells an age old story with UNBELIEVABLE portraits. A must have for any one interested in Hinduism and want an easy read with beautiful and engaging images.