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Product Description
Product Description
Images of Afghanistan, an edited collection in the non-fiction Cultural/ Social genre provides the first-ever overview of the art and literature of Afghanistan. 32 chapters on art, music, film, proverbs, short stories, poetry, cartoons, and folktales in popular style offer key insights into the complexities of Afghan culture. The book is divided into seven sections. Introductory chapters focus on the history of Afghanistan and understanding culture through art and literature. A Dari Literature section covers classical and modern poetry, short stories, proverbs and children's rhymes. A Pashto Literature section includes traditional poetry, modern poetry, short stories, folktales, proverbs and tappas. The Themes of Culture section analyzes the dynamics of shame and honor in the Persio-Afghan setting, the traditional need for patronage and its modern relevance, the mystical longing for God as reflected in the ghazals of Hafiz, and romantic love in traditional and modern love stories. The Traditional Art section covers calligraphy, woodworking, and ceramics, the unique layout of the traditional city, and archeological heritage. The Performing Arts and Fine Art section explores the development of music, fine art, and film in Afghanistan. A final section called Potpourri features Afghan authors who help span the chasm between east and west, a selection of modern cultural initiatives, the infamous folk character Mullah Nasruddin, the role of women in art and literature, and cartoons and comedy.
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4 reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
SO proud to own this book!
15 Oct 2010
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a lover of languages, literature and the support of liberal and
fine arts in developing nations, I received a treasure when I finally
pulled "Images of Afghanistan" out of the shipping package.
A young photographer who recently gave his life serving the poorest of
the poor in Afghanistan is well known by one of his photo album
titles, "It's Not All War." In line with this conviction, "Images of
Afghanistan" reveals the "more than war" of deeply complex, rich and
ancient cultural expressions in a land and from a people wounded, but
not crushed, by years of war, poverty and oppression.
One of my favorite aspects of this work is the attention given to the
mix of cultural influences and traditions within Afghan art and
literature. The complexities and challenges of these cultural
dynamics are embraced in "Images of Afghanistan" rather than
separated, broken down, or diluted. Several very significant genres
and issues are given an appropriate introduction, exposure and
reflection. Each part of the book is generous with explanations as
well as examples of the heart, and the lives, behind the artistic
expression. Sections exploring cartoons and comedy, grief, passion,
architecture, sociology, and children's literature engage the reader
in a unique dialog about more than just the typical themes addressed
in studies of Afghan culture. Yet, this reference also provides an
anticipated and detailed look at more traditional components of Afghan
art and literature.
I find this book a valuable resource beyond offering "new perspectives
on the emotions and insights of Afghan people" (Preface). Nor do I
find this book insightful simply because the reader learns so much
about Afghan motivations for behavior, a subject I'm sure many are
interested in. Along with these illuminations,
"Images of Afghanistan" offers something more. Within the pages, we receive a
taste of the beautiful contribution various Afghan cultures have made,
and indeed continue to make, to the world. The book is a glimpse into depths of creativity and passion that we, in the West, don't often acknowledge. Here's to many more books
like this one!
fine arts in developing nations, I received a treasure when I finally
pulled "Images of Afghanistan" out of the shipping package.
A young photographer who recently gave his life serving the poorest of
the poor in Afghanistan is well known by one of his photo album
titles, "It's Not All War." In line with this conviction, "Images of
Afghanistan" reveals the "more than war" of deeply complex, rich and
ancient cultural expressions in a land and from a people wounded, but
not crushed, by years of war, poverty and oppression.
One of my favorite aspects of this work is the attention given to the
mix of cultural influences and traditions within Afghan art and
literature. The complexities and challenges of these cultural
dynamics are embraced in "Images of Afghanistan" rather than
separated, broken down, or diluted. Several very significant genres
and issues are given an appropriate introduction, exposure and
reflection. Each part of the book is generous with explanations as
well as examples of the heart, and the lives, behind the artistic
expression. Sections exploring cartoons and comedy, grief, passion,
architecture, sociology, and children's literature engage the reader
in a unique dialog about more than just the typical themes addressed
in studies of Afghan culture. Yet, this reference also provides an
anticipated and detailed look at more traditional components of Afghan
art and literature.
I find this book a valuable resource beyond offering "new perspectives
on the emotions and insights of Afghan people" (Preface). Nor do I
find this book insightful simply because the reader learns so much
about Afghan motivations for behavior, a subject I'm sure many are
interested in. Along with these illuminations,
"Images of Afghanistan" offers something more. Within the pages, we receive a
taste of the beautiful contribution various Afghan cultures have made,
and indeed continue to make, to the world. The book is a glimpse into depths of creativity and passion that we, in the West, don't often acknowledge. Here's to many more books
like this one!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Going beyond scratching the surface
16 Dec 2010
Format:Hardcover
As someone who has lived and worked in Afghanistan, and as someone who values understanding culture, I have read much of what has been written about Afghanistan. Dr Loewen and Dr McMichael have given us a book like no other I have read. Reading "Images of Afghanistan" is critical for any person wanting to work in Afghanistan, or among Afghans. Reading "Images of Afghanistan" is a must for anyone who wants to understand this intriguing country. In this volume the reader will begin the journey of seeing more than just a war torn country, but will experience the thrill of an adventure into the heart and soul of the culture of Afghanistan. Reader beware! This book is likely to start you on a path of discovery that you may not be able to divert from!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
a valuable and different view of Afghanistan
27 Dec 2010
Format:Hardcover
I used this book in a course on Afghanistan last semester and recommend it highly for its historical and cultural illumination of the two dominant cultures of Afghanistan -- Pashtun and Tajik. There could be more included on Hazara, Uzbek, Aimak, etc. peoples, but the book goes far beyond headlines and stereotypes to provide valuable literary, aesthetic, and symbolic representations of a vastly misunderstood population. There are beautiful photos as well as insightful analysis. Like Jason Elliot's AN UNEXPECTED LIGHT the writers and editors dare to show that they actually LIKE Afghans!! As one who lived in Afghanistan more than thirty years ago, I wish that the rest of the American public would show greater cultural interest and human respect for people who have resiliently suffered through almost two generations of geopolitical exploitation.
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