Customer Reviews

India Unveiled

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book must be read by anybody who has an interest in India, whether they are Indians or non-Indians. I recommend that anybody who plans on visiting India also read this book. The typical tourist book gives practical information on what to see and where to stay and what to wear. But it won't give you an insight into the land, its people and its culture. And if you do not get that, you haven't got the most from your trip. This book will prepare you for the discovery of India. The photographs are marvellous, a visual delight.

Besides being both captivating as a narrative and travel photography book, Robert Arnett expresses understanding of India that is rare in an Indian, let alone a foreign traveller to the country. Mr. Arnett is well versed in the social and religious aspects of India that distinguish it from other countries of the world.

Interestingly, "India Unveiled" is the only book accepted by the Indian Government to be placed in all Indian embassies that is written by a foreigner.

After having met Mr. Arnett personally, I am not surprised to see his dedication to his labor of love in the form of simple book sales. He tours and lectures, however only accepts money for the sale of his books, personally handling all aspects of their editing, layout, publishing, distribution, marketing, and sale. His response to my query about managing all of these tasks was, "I love India."

It is very refreshing to see such outstanding photographic art combined with such accurate historical and cultural data. I have heard a number of Indian people state how they learned much from INDIA UNVEILED which made them more proud and aware of India's great contribution to the world of spirituality. Mr.Arnett does his histotical and teaching skills justice in this well prepared presentation of India's character, beauty and peacefulness. This is a very readable book for younger people as well; attrtactive, simple, uncomplicated and to the point. A enlightening artistic and literary journey to savour and remember.

This book has won a number of awards including the best armchair traveler book of the year award. It stands out from the league of similar books and comes straight from the author's heart. Rightly acclaimed as one of the most insightful and revealing books about the country, it emphasizes diverse religious traditions and spirituality of India. This honest book easily impresses the reader with captivating vivid narrative peppered with delightful pictures. Organized by six broad regions, it is not meant to be a tome on India but a catalyst that propels the readers towards discovering it. It evokes nostalgic heartwarming feeling for those who have been to India and generates genuine interest among the would-be tourists. Though no one can claim to have captured the vastness, diversity and contradictions of Indian culture in one book, this fascinating volume comes pretty close. In the latest edition of the book, author has updated the text and pictures and done away with some redundant text. A must buy for anyone traveling to India or just having interest in it- Indians and non-Indians alike (This review has been taken from Recipedelights.com)

This book must surely figure among the classics written on India. The merit of a book written on a country can be gauged by the interest it generates in its readers for that country. Having lived outside India for a few years and having read many books on India, I can faithfully say that no other book transported my spirit closer to home than "India Unveiled". Robert Arnett understands that India's wealth lies more in her spiritual knowledge than in her material riches. Breathtaking photographs add great expression to the author's vivid commentary. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in India's cultural values and also for those who plan on a visit.

I have never been to India, but I have always found the country to be fascinating, its history and great beauty, along with the mystery that is India. This book is absolutely wonderful, the images are crisp and vivid and the text is scholarly and insightful. The history and architecture of India is so varied, like no other place, from the Chola Dynasty, through the Great Mughals, to the more current British Raj and all of these empires left a legacy in India from the spectacular Taj Mahal to the majestic Imperial New Delhi. If you have any interest in India or just appreciate great books then you will not be disappointed and you will come away with a newfound respect for this singular land.

The author takes you on an incredible journey of the Indian subcontinent and introduces you to the humanity, spirituality and the cultures of the different areas. The pictures are phenomenal and the narrative of Bob Arnett's journeys in India and the people he meets are vivid and very insightful. Not your regular tourist book. A must for anyone travelling to India or trying to understand the culture

Actually, I just found this book reviewed in India by a major news paper with a great recomendation. I just received it myself and have fallen in love. Written by someone who seems to have really taken time to study his subject. Excellent text and photos.

Lets get some things out of the way: This is neither a travel guide nor a summary of the state of Indian society. It is not a journalistic account of India's geography, politics, economics or religion. It is not a book with particularly stunning photography either.

This book is one man's personal journey, showing, through photographs, how India revealed itself to him. It is a coffee table book that shows you honest images of the country. Show these photos to anyone who's lived in India and they will have trouble letting go of the book.

The pattern of the book is clear: the author prefers places of religious importance (and mostly Hindu ones) and strays a little bit beyond well-known tourist locations. For example, where most tourists would go to the Taj and be done, the author will spend a little more time looking at the people living around it and visit a local temple.

Despite all the biases, the commentary is honest and the author makes no attempt to conceal his somewhat rosy view of everything so you will always be able to distinguish between fact and opinion. The photographs are what some would consider "ordinary" but I think this is the strongest point of the book: if you go to India you will see the locations exactly as they look in the photographs!

No matter who you are this book will significantly add to your understanding of India.

Being an Indian and having moved around different states of the country, I think this book is a comprehensive and quite realistic review of Indian tradition and culture. Of course no single book can cover even a fraction of what India is all about, this book is quite balanced in terms of representing India in most objective manner and at the same time giving the reader a wonderful introduction to famous travel spots and might serve as a good starter towards learning what India is all about and making India travel plans. I think this book is a perfect coffee-table book to spark discussion on India and her hymns!