Reviews

It is fitting to have the publisher proclaim art historian Seth the world's leading scholar on India's wall murals; having spent four decades studying the art and culture of India, where she lives, she has already written several books on murals in specific areas of the country. Appearing in print mostly for the first time, the book's 370 photographs (the majority in color and often full page) convey the beauty not only of the walls themselves but also of the sculptural and architectural surroundings. The bulk of this monumental book consists of descriptions of individual sites, organized by major geographical areas. Remarkably, Seth traveled throughout the country to survey these cave, monastery, temple, and palace murals firsthand (a map is included). In her introduction, she discusses the spiritual iconographies of the relevant religions, i.e., Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. But those unfamiliar with the complexities of Indian art over such a long period of time may want to start with her final chapter, "Technique and Style," for the informative overview it offers. The glossary of terms and deities is also very helpful. Recommended for larger academic and public libraries.-Anne Marie Lane, American Heritage Ctr. Lib., Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.