Customer Reviews

Tibetan Art: Tracing the Development of Spiritual Ideals...

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

 

 

This is a fine addition to anyone's library, either specialist or beginner. Perhaps the most spectacular advantage this book has is that Ms. Heller has managed to find almost entirely new pieces to illustrate her book...no more do we have to view recycled images! She has evidently spent a great deal of time scouring private collections to find these pieces and some of them may only be described as absolutely stunning. Ms Heller carefully places Tibetan art into a historical and social setting. It is largely due to the layout of the book she succeeds in this so admirably. The art works are described and commented on in separate sections of the book but within the larger chapters which themselves clearly describe their historical and social context. The advantage of this layout is that the reader is able to locate art works within their "setting" and the thoughtfully constructed and readable text adds greatly to the enjoyment of the art itself. The text has the freedom to follow religious and historical currents without interrupting or being interrupted by the art historical material which is given the respect of not being forced to compete with the other text.

Unlike so many other books on this subject, accurate dimensions are given as well as previous publication data for the few pieces seen before.

I would have liked to see an Introduction which among other things, perhaps traced Ms. Heller's long time involvement with Tibetan art, but given all the other extremely positive aspects of the book it is a small loss.

This book is remarkable in that it reads well on both the lay and expert levels. Well illustrated and explained; it doesn't talk down to those unfamiliar with the topic nor bore those who are. An excellent addition to any art book collection. Cheers.

This book provides an excellent historical review of developments in Tibetan art with many superb photographs. Its a very good introduction to the topic, but I would not say the writing tone is geared toward the layman. You'd really want to supplement this book with others that explain in more detail the iconography of the images.