Customer Reviews

Muraqqa': Imperial Mughal Albums from the Chester Beatty Library

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Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968)was an Anglo-American mining magnate who collected Islamic books during the height of the Guilded Age. During a relatively short period of twenty years, he assembled one of the finest collections of Mughal miniature art. It was a collection that he added onto for the next thirty years. Near the end of his life, Beatty fled high taxation rates in Great Britain and moved to Ireland where he established the Alfred Beatty Library. "Muraqqa", Persian for album, is a very high quality catalogue produced for a travelling American art exhibit.

One the hallmarks of Islamic civilization were the exquisitely executed books that rulers assembled to record their lives and the world they lived in. The art of the book reached one of its high points in the albums produced from 1600-1657 during the reign of the Mughal Emperors. Miniature art during this period reflected the heady mixture of Persian, Mongol, Hindu and Christian influences.

"Muraqq" is an exquisitely produced 500 page study of Beatty's album collection. Every aspect of the book is first rate. The reproductions are beautifully done and the text is well written and easy to follow. My only advice is purchase the hardback edition. This is a collectable book that will be passed down through the generations. Highly recommended.

This is the most comprehensive collection of Mughal miniatures that I have come across. Visually stunning, with highly readable text, this is a must-have for anyone who appreciates fine art. This is not just a reference book; it is a beautiful volume to browse. Take a trip through Mughal and Indian history with no time machine required!