Fez: City of Islam is undoubtedly one of Titus Burckhardt's masterpieces. It conveys a profound understanding of the sacred roots that nourish Islamic culture and civilisation. As a young man in the 1930s, Burckhardt spent some years in Morocco where he became acquainted with several remarkable representatives of the spiritual heritage of the Maghrib. Although he committed much of this experience to writing, it was not until the 1950s that these writings were developed into a book. In Fez: City of Islam, Burckhardt writes of the history of a people and their religion—a history that was often violent, often heroic and sometimes holy. The book relates the teachings, parables and miracles of the saints of many centuries and demonstrates not only the arts and crafts of Islamic civilisation, but also its sciences and administrative skills. Burckhardt's unique black and white photographs from the 1930s are included. In addition 41 new colour illustrations have been specially selected to enhance Burckhardt's originals. Here, text and illustrations come together to provide an insight into the way the life of a people can be transformed at every level by a religious tradition.
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'Titus Burckhardt is an authority whose works are a constant source of inspiration...the publication of this book in English is like the unearthing of a great treasure.' -- Martin Lings
Language Notes
Text: English
Original Language: German
Original Language: German
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TITUS BURCKHARDT, a German Swiss, was born in Florence in 1908 and died in Lausanne in 1984. An eminent member of the perennialist school, he is perhaps best known to the general public as an art historian. He won much acclaim for producing and publishing the first successful full-scale facsimiles of the Book of Kells, a copy of which he presented to Pope Pius XII at his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. He later acted as a specialist advisor to UNESCO, with particular reference to the preservation of the unique architectural heritage of Fez. Besides his studies in Islamic art, mysticism, and culture, such as Introduction to Sufi Doctrine, Fez: City of Islam, and Moorish Culture in Spain, his best known works are: Sacred Art in East and West, Siena: City of the Virgin, Chartres and the Birth of the Cathedral, and Alchemy: Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul. Two notable compendiums of his work have also been published: Mirror of the Intellect: Essays on Traditional Science and Sacred Art and The Essential Titus Burckhardt: Reflections on Sacred Art, Faiths, and Civilizations, both translated and edited by William Stoddart.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Memorable,
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This review is from: Fez: City of Islam (Islamic Texts Society) (Hardcover)
First things first: I don't know why Amazon has this book listed as written by "Stoddart", presumably William Stoddart. While Mr. Stoddart no doubt had a hand in the book, it is mainly the work of Titus Burckhardt.As anybody who has read anything by Burckhardt already kows, he is one of the most fascinating and perceptive writers on Islamic culture that the West has produced. Before reading this book I had already read "Islamic Art" and "Moorish Culture in Spain", both of which are enlightening books, as well as being interesting reads, so I was prepared to enjoy this one as well. I have to admit that I liked this book even better than the other two. In addition to Burckhardt's in-depth knowledge of Islamic architecture and the Islamic concept of a city, he shows an appreciation and sensitivity of North African history and culture that is admirable. Most important, it was clear that he was talking about a place that he truly loved and cherished. To top it off, the illustrations, and specifically the photographs, are gorgeous, and they will be enough to make you fall in love with Fez, sight unseen. All in all a splendid effort, and it's good to see that this book is back in print.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent book,
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This review is from: Fez: City of Islam (Islamic Texts Society) (Hardcover)
I am an American who lives in Fez. This book has proven to be quite useful in understanding the history of the local culture. I recommend it.
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