Art and Architecture of the World's Religions: [2 Volumes]

Two abundantly illustrated volumes offer a vibrant discussion of how the divine is and has been represented in art and architecture the world over. Beginning with the ancient worlds of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome and moving forward through time, Art and Architecture of the World's Religions explores the major faiths from countries and continents around the globe, helping readers better understand the creations their beliefs have inspired. After tracing the history and development of a religion, the book provides a general overview of its principal beliefs and key practices. It then offers specific examples of how works of art/architecture reflect that religion's values. The focus of each chapter is on the temples, churches, and religious buildings, statues, paintings, and other works of art and architecture created by believers. Each representative work of art or architecture is examined in terms of its history, materials, symbols, colors, and patterns, as its significance is explained to the reader. With extensive illustrations, these volumes are the definitive reference work on art and architecture of the world's religions.

Table of Contents:
Volume 1 Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Prehistoric Belief Systems 2. Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia 3. Religion in Ancient Egypt 4. Religion in Ancient and Classical Greece and Rome 5. Mesoamerican and Andean Religions 6. Native American Religions 7. Indigenous Religions of Oceania 8. Indigenous Religions of Africa Volume 2 Introduction 9. Judaism 10. Christianity 11. Islam 12. Hinduism 13. Buddhism 14. Taoism 15. Confucianism 16. Shinto Conclusion Selected Bibliography Index About the Author

About the Author :
Leslie Ross is professor and chair of the art history program at Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA. Her previous works include Greenwood's Medieval Art: A Topical Dictionary (1996), Text, Image, Message: Saints in Medieval Manuscript Illustrations (1994), and Artists of the Middle Ages (2003).

Review :
Written in an accessible style for high school and up, this two-volume set offers background on how the divine has been represented in art and architecture around the world. Ross' authoritative new work therefore stands alone in its class. Available both in print and as an e-book, it is recommended as a fine addition for all academic and art library reference shelves, virtual or otherwise. This work will probably be most appreciated at an undergraduate college or in a public library with a large interest in religion. It could also be useful to anyone looking for general information or a beginning place for information about religion, architecture, and religious artifacts. Religion is often expressed and appreciated through art. Surprisingly, few books meld these two. Similarly, few books compare religions in terms of their creative expression. For these reasons, professor and art historian Ross' set is a welcome reference work. . . . Offers a very useful and intriguing introduction and is recommended for large public and academic libraries. This well-researched set will be useful for history/art history students and faculty, rather than general readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above.