Hindu India: From Khajuraho to the Temple City of Madurai (World Architecture) [Hardcover]

Henri Stierlin (Author), Anne Stierlin (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: World Architecture | Publication Date: July 1, 1998

There is nothing new under the sun... and then there are the temples of India. For many who have roamed the byways of the subcontinent, it is these myriad mind-expanding palaces of faith that fill the spirit and make the fare worthwhile. They are enough to give you religion. 3-D songs of praise to the fecund possibilities of both environment and human intention, they are as diverse as the landscapes of Asia and yet share a grace and delicacy of invention. Focusing on Jain as well as Hindu constructions, this exemplary volume takes us on a revelatory historical journey to trace both the traditions and developments in their design, from the wood and cave temples of the first few hundred years AD, through early experiments in stone to the three dominant architectural strands. Whether it be Nagara in the north, Vesara in the central highlands or the Dravda "walled city" complexes of the south, each style is fully presented and analysed in a series of detailed photographs, drawings, plans and excavations. Just as the temple sancta themselves become more sacred the further in you penetrate, so this book offers greater rewards the longer you spend in its company.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Taschen (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822876496
• ISBN-13: 978-3822876497
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #763,746 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 Taschen World Architecture series is a hit, January 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hindu India: From Khajuraho to the Temple City of Madurai (World Architecture) (Hardcover)

I traveled in India for six months in 1997-98 and am now reliving the visit, thanks to this wonderful visual survey. A great feast for the eye. Best of the India photo books.

If you liked this book, you might also want to check out other photo books of India that examine areas differently...for instance, there is a wonderful illustration book by a British artist (can't recall his name now; he also did a book on Italy as well)...and a fabulous in-depth book on Varanasi, called Benares Seen From Within, by Richard Lannoy. This book is a must-have.

Taschen has published a spectacular book called Indian Interiors, which is a real spectacle of wealthy people's fabulous homes and a few peasant places, too.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Delicious Temple book, July 9, 2002

By 

Beth "Crazy, Dancing White Woman" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hindu India: From Khajuraho to the Temple City of Madurai (World Architecture) (Hardcover)

Haven't yet hit too much of the content, but it's a wonderful publication in it's photography and high-quality publication value... Great pictures, great detail, and from what I see, the discussion of the temple architeture and sculpture looks equally promising. Definitely more of an art and architecture book about temples, than a book about Hinduism it's temples.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a truly exceptional book of an extraordinary architecture, November 18, 1998

By 

Chayo Frank (Miami, Fl USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hindu India: From Khajuraho to the Temple City of Madurai (World Architecture) (Hardcover)

At last, a moderately priced book that captures the beauty of one of the world's great archi- tectures. The unique forms and textures of Hindu architecture are an invaluable inspiration to the creative artist, and for that reason alone, I highly recommend this book as an important addition to the artist's library.