Product Description
This digital document is an article from The Journal of the American Oriental Society, published by American Oriental Society on October 1, 2008. The length of the article is 1081 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Garden of the Eight Paradises: Babur and the Culture of Empire in Central Asia, Afghanistan and India (1483-1530).(Book review)
Author: Sholeh Quinn
Publication: The Journal of the American Oriental Society (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2008
Publisher: American Oriental Society
Volume: 128Issue: 4Page: 779(2)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

Product Description
Images of Afghanistan provides the first-ever overview of the art and literature of Afghanistan. 32 chapters on art, music, film, proverbs, short stories, poetry, cartoons, and folktales in popular style offer key insights into the complexities of Afghan culture. The book is divided into seven sections. Introductory chapters focus on the history of Afghanistan and understanding culture through art and literature. A Dari Literature section covers classical and modern poetry, short stories, proverbs and children's rhymes. A Pashto Literature section includes traditional poetry, modern poetry, short stories, folktales, proverbs and tappas. The Themes of Culture section analyzes the dynamics of shame and honor in the Persio-Afghan setting, the traditional need for patronage and its modern relevance, the mystical longing for God as reflected in the ghazals of Hafiz, and romantic love in traditional and modern love stories. The Traditional Art section covers calligraphy, woodworking, and ceramics, the unique layout of the traditional city, and archeological heritage. The Performing Arts and Fine Art section explores the development of music, fine art, and film in Afghanistan. A final section called Potpourri features Afghan authors who help span the chasm between east and west, a selection of modern cultural initiatives, the infamous folk character Mullah Nasruddin, the role of women in art and literature, and cartoons and comedy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

SO proud to own this book!
As a lover of languages, literature and the support of liberal and
fine arts in developing nations, I received a treasure when I finally
pulled "Images of Afghanistan" out of the shipping package.

A young photographer who recently gave his life serving the poorest of
the poor in Afghanistan is well known by one of his photo album
titles, "It's Not All War."In line with this conviction, "Images of
Afghanistan" reveals the "more than war" of deeply complex, rich and
ancient cultural expressions in a land and from a people wounded, but
not crushed, by years of war, poverty and oppression.

One of my favorite aspects of this work is the attention given to the
mix of cultural influences and traditions within Afghan art and
literature.The complexities and challenges of these cultural
dynamics are embraced in "Images of Afghanistan" rather than
separated, broken down, or diluted.Several very significant genres
and issues are given an appropriate introduction, exposure and
reflection.Each part of the book is generous with explanations as
well as examples of the heart, and the lives, behind the artistic
expression.Sections exploring cartoons and comedy, grief, passion,
architecture, sociology, and children's literature engage the reader
in a unique dialog about more than just the typical themes addressed
in studies of Afghan culture.Yet, this reference also provides an
anticipated and detailed look at more traditional components of Afghan
art and literature.

I find this book a valuable resource beyond offering "new perspectives
on the emotions and insights of Afghan people" (Preface).Nor do I
find this book insightful simply because the reader learns so much
about Afghan motivations for behavior, a subject I'm sure many are
interested in.Along with these illuminations,
"Images of Afghanistan" offers something more.Within the pages, we receive a
taste of the beautiful contribution various Afghan cultures have made,
and indeed continue to make, to the world.The book is a glimpse into depths of creativity and passion that we, in the West, don't often acknowledge.Here's to many more books
like this one! ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of papers on Graeco-Bactrian, Indo-Greek and punch-marked coins found in Afghanistan. It includes discoveries in Ai Khanoum, the Graeco-Bactrian site excavated by the French Archaeological Mission in Afghanistan between 1965 and 1978. ... Read more