Art of the Creche: Nativities from Around the World [Paperback]

James L. Govan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 2009

One of the most enduring and universal Christmas traditions is the creche, or the Nativity scene: a representation of the story of Christ's birth. This beautifully illustrated book - now available in a perfect gift-size edition - reveals the worldwide appeal and custom of the creche and the diversity of creative expression displayed in this art form. James L. Govan, a foremost collector of creches, insightfully interprets more than 100 nativities and explains the origins of the artists' works. From the Makonde in Tanzania to the Wichi in northern Argentina and the Asmats in Indonesia, the indigenous cultures of more than 70 countries are represented, and the collection is far from restricted to the work of Christian artists: the creches include examples made by Muslim, Taoist, Buddhist and Jewish artists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Sumptuous shots of nativity scenes from around the world - DAILY TELEGRAPH Interesting and easy to read ... a delightful book that should appeal to craftsmen, people interested in cultural traditions, artists, and anyone who enjoys the Christian Christmas customs - YORKSHIRE GAZETTE AND HERALD

About the Author

James L. Govan is a collector of contemporary creches and the Founding President of the Friends of the Creche society. He is a former international aid and development worker. With his late wife, Emilia Govan, he searched all corners of the world for unique and unusual nativities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Merrell Publishers; 2nd edition (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1858945011
• ISBN-13: 978-1858945019
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #707,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ideal holiday gift book showcases Nativity scenes from around the world, November 14, 2007

By 

Henry Berry "Henry Berry" (Southport, CT) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Art of the Creche: Nativities from Around the World (Hardcover)

From Govan's work in international aid and development, he saw creches in all parts of the world. Their styles ranged from folk art, artistic works, a few simple figures, elaborate scenes, colorless pieces of carved wood, multicolored panoramas, to realistic to modernistic. He became interested enough in creches to start a Friends of the Creche Society; and to collect creches for his own enjoyment and for exhibition and media spots.

One hundred and fifty of the varied nativity scenes are pictured in color related to the country they came from with the individuals who made them identified when known. Close-ups of features of many for appreciation of details bring the total number of photographs to more than 200. Pictured against only the white of the pages, the creches with their varied figures in their intended arrangement stand out. Especially, with no background or context, their variety and the uniqueness of each are highlighted.

Govan's short comments for each creche concentrate on how he came to acquire it, the artistic goal of its creator, the figures seen in it (e. g., an African Yao tribal king, a Navajo Indian), and its materials. Some creches Govan commissioned; some were made by artists or art groups; and some were given to him for his collection to represent a particular country or ethnic group.

This large-size, coffee-table art book makes an ideal gift for the holiday season, one which will offer recurring enjoyment.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true work of reverential art, October 18, 2007

By 

E. Scott "Voracious Reader" (Oregon) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Art of the Creche: Nativities from Around the World (Hardcover)

James Govan and his wife Emilia were thoughtful collectors of the art of the Christian nativity scene. This beautiful volume, dedicated to Jim's late wife, is an exquisite presentation that shares both their joy and knowledge of this very special art form. Photographs and narration combine to give the reader information about the individual sets, their creators, the background of the artisans and the countries they work in, and the art of the nativity generally. Aficionados and casual observers alike will find this book well-done and illuminating.
And it would make a lovely Christmas gift!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing paperback format, December 8, 2009

By 

C. M. Rounsavell (Poway, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Art of the Creche: Nativities from Around the World (Paperback)

This is a beautiful book full of wonderful creches, but if I had noticed how much smaller the paperback edition is, I would have ordered the hardcover. Bigger photos would be better.