Spain owes its special historical position in Europe very largely to its intensive encounter with the Orient. In the summer of 710, a small force under the command of a Berber named Tarif ibn Malik landed to the west of Gibraltar. The Islamic armies that followed in its wake succeeded in conquering large areas of Spain within a short span of years. The conquerors gave the country the name of "al-andalus." Thus began a period of cultural permeation that was to last for almost 800 years. In spite of intolerance and animosity, there developed between Muslims, Christians, and Jews a shared cultural environment that proved the basis for great achievements. Moorish-Andalusian art and architecture combine elements of various traditions into a new, autonomous style. Among the outstanding architectural witnesses to this achievement are the Great Mosque in Cordova and the Alhambra in Granada, recognized and admired as part of the world's heitage right up to the present day. They are described in detail in this book. The main centres of Hispano-Islamic art and architecture, the cities of Cordova, Seville and Granada, are discussed within the chronological framework of developments, both political and cultural, from 710 to 1492. The author traces the changes in architectural forms over the centuries, and concludes with an attempt to identify those enduring characteristics which run like a thread through Hispano-Islamic architecture, for all the different influences to which it was subject. Alongside mosques, castle ruins, and splendid palaces, the reader will find detailed photographs of Moorish decorative art in all its thousand and one variations.
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About the Author
Marianne Barrucand read history, archaeology and history of art in Hamburg and Nancy, before obtaining her doctorate in the history of art in 1969. She went on to read Islamic studies at the Sorbonne, and, from 1971 to 1976, in Rabat, Morocco. In 1979 she submitted her professorial thesis in Islamic archaeology and art history, and since 1985 she has been Professor of Islamic Archaeology and Art History at the Sorbonne.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
the nicest way to enjoy the fruits of other people's scholarship
the photography is ever so good, the translation likewise
gives a clear perspective on the life and times and thinking of moorish spain
it will provide me with a whole new itinerary for several future visits to spain
the photography is ever so good, the translation likewise
gives a clear perspective on the life and times and thinking of moorish spain
it will provide me with a whole new itinerary for several future visits to spain
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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5.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Steal of a Deal
5 May 2007
By B. Evans
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
I am not doing this review to acquaint readers with what this book covers, for the above editorial review does that well. Rather, I want to make sure that readers know that in spite of selling for so little, this book offers all one would expect from a book published by Taschen: superb colored photography, line drawings, maps, a glossary of terms and, of course, good writing/explanations. Marvel at your good fortune at finding such a bargain, and be assured that the coverage of Cordoba's Great Mosque and the Alhambra is superb.
Just how much of a bargain? As I discovered when I purchased a copy of this edition for a gift, the only difference between it and the pre-anniversary edition is the shortened title and the picture on the cover, yet the latter, Moorish Architecture, which I paid $25 for in paperback a few years ago, now starts at $39.89. (6/12/09 update: Some used copies of the original publication are now available for much less.
2/13/10 Post-script: Wow! When I reviewed this book as "a steal of a deal," it was not yet out of print and copies were available for under $20.
Just how much of a bargain? As I discovered when I purchased a copy of this edition for a gift, the only difference between it and the pre-anniversary edition is the shortened title and the picture on the cover, yet the latter, Moorish Architecture, which I paid $25 for in paperback a few years ago, now starts at $39.89. (6/12/09 update: Some used copies of the original publication are now available for much less.
2/13/10 Post-script: Wow! When I reviewed this book as "a steal of a deal," it was not yet out of print and copies were available for under $20.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good value
15 Dec 2008
By Brett August
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
A surprisingly complete and well-organized book at this price, with great photos. Truly a "best buy."
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