Product Description
"NORTHWEST COAST INDIAN ART is a very beautiful book and it is also an important contribution to the fields of art and anthropology, Its most distinguished feature is the author's sensitive yet scientific approach in coming firmly to grips with elements of art which often have been considered intangible".--THE BEAVER. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A must to
Hello from Barcelona!

That's the book to understand formally the Northwest Coast Indian Art. A true classic. Have it!

Northwest Coast Indian Art - An Analysis of Form
This is the "bible" on the principles of all of the forms used in Northwest Coast art.The forms are well documented and illustrated.This is an excellent book.

Another misleading title
I wish I had read Bruce Hallman's review before buying this book.All the other reviews repeat the underlying error of the title and hail it as a great book about "Northwest Coast Indian Art."But turning to the map on page 3 reveals the truth: This book is about a subset of Northwest Coast Indian Art: the Northern Northwest Coast.Like I said in my cranky review of Hilary Stewart's "Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast," ever since J. E. Standley flooded the Seattle tourist market with fake Kwakiutl artwork, fake totem poles, and other hybrids of art forms from the northern coast Salish tribes, the art forms that are indigenous to our tribes here in western Washington have been all but forgotten, brushed aside by authors who chase the market with books that pretend to deal with all "of the Northwest Coast" but in reality ignore anything south of the 49th Parallel.For anybody who wants to learn about the Coast Salish art of the western Washington tribes, these books are not for you.But if you know of any books that do deal with the western Washington Coast Salish art forms, please let me know.

Good, but not enough images, not as good as Hilary Stewart
This is a very good book on NW art.However, if you are looking for examples of native art to emulate, there is not enough here.

Excellent first choice for the serious student
This book is simply the best resource for learning this art form.It does not describe the cultural roots of the art in any great detail, but if you want to really learn how to construct NW coast designs on your own, while staying within the tradition, this is your best choice.What I liked best about it was that it manages to be a scholarly and artistic, and the "analysis of form" both records the past and inspires the future.As others reviewers have stated, this is a book for the serious student, but even less serious ones will get more out of here than they will from the "Learning by Designing" series. ... Read more

Product Description
In this comprehensive survey, Vidya Dehejia explains and analyses not only such key early developments as the great cities of the Indus civilization, but also the luxury of the Mughal court.Amazon.com Review
This book is a worthy addition to Phaidon's excellent Art andIdeas series, which provides overviews of the major art traditions ofthe world. India is vast (the size of Europe); the birthplace of greatreligions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism; and the home ofsophisticated civilizations dating back more than 4,000 years.Thesefactors combine to give India one of the longest and most complex arttraditions of the world--and one of the hardest to make accessible tothe general reader.

Vidya Dehejia, curator of Indian art at the Smithsonian Institution,is up to the task. She sets the scene with an invaluable chapterexplaining ancient Indian theories of art and aesthetics, includingthe responsibilities of the viewer. Most important is the realizationthat "the consistent fabric of Indian life was never rent by theWestern dichotomy between religious belief and worldlypractice"--hence the easy coexistence in India of extreme religiousasceticism and the overt eroticism that pervades temples likeKhajuraho and Patan. The book proceeds in a grand sweep, from theancient cities of the Indus valley, the development of Buddhist art(which by the 12th century had faded away in the land of its birth),the glorious paintings of Ajanta, the luxury of Mughal art andarchitecture, art of the British Raj, to today's artisticferment. Clear and well-written, with nearly 300 well-chosen colorillustrations, this is an extremely useful introduction to India'svast artistic wealth. --John Stevenson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Impressive and educative
Vidya's survey is outstanding.Her exposition of the 'Rasa' theory in Hindu aesthetics should help non-Hindus to understand the alternative basis of art appreciation.She points out that according to this 'Rasa' theory the contemplation of a work of art must evoke in the viewer a state of "heightened awareness" of an emotion, the emotions being, erotic, comic,kindliness, furiousness,heroic,terrible,odious, wondrous and peaceful.Hindu aesthetics thus stressed the prominent role of the viewer's response in the appreciation of art.This theory was crystallized in the fourth century ACE.
One may recall Eliot's criticism of Shakespeare's Hamlet that it lacked 'objective correlation',i.e.,that when certain external facts which must terminate in a sensory experience are given, a relevant emotion should be immediately evoked.
Vidya also points out that in the visual story-telling adopted by sculptors in Ancient India, viewers understood that the lower part of a panel was near to them and the upper part further away.When this has been basically understood, displaying the objects in the 'background' of a relief as large and clear as those in the 'foreground' led to a legible telling of the story. Vidya says that ,therefore, perspective was a non-issue, clarity of of visual comprehension was the objective.
On the whole a very impressive survey. The photographs are also very good. I only wish Vidya had said more about Chola Sculpture like Dakshinamurthy and Bronzes like Parvathi in the Sackler Art Gallery, Washington.

review ofVidya Dehejia Indian Art (Purchased on 09/23/2008)

Excellent high quality product, lots of good photographs, well written, concise overview of complicated subject

balanced and illuminating
While no expert in Indian art and architecture, I have been studying in this area off and on for about fifteen years. I have not encountered an introductory survey that was more balanced and illuminating. It is also well written and beautifully illustrated. The eccentric reviewer who accorded this book merely one star is obviously carping--perhaps because his or her own work was omitted from the necessarily selective bibliography.The other reviews have all been favorable up to this point, and for a good reason.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This is a significant improvement over Roy Craven's colonialist take on Indian art.This book is much more sensitive to the culture of India and its rich amalgamation of Vedic thought, the religion and philosophy of Buddhism, what we now term as Hinduism, and of course, later Islamic influence. Especially significant is the explanation of the narrative sculptural relief panels at Sanchi and Amaravati.Dehejia explains their rich narratives clearly - and what at first appears confusing becomes instead a rich tapestry of imagination. Her explanations also merge style with context; in effect, we understand these panels as they were understood at the time of their historical inception.She rightly de-emphasizes the dynastic and stylistically rigid categorizations that are so predominant in Western scholarship.A worthy and timely text.I highly recommend it.

Dehejia's book disappointing
I cannot agree with the previous reviewers.The illustrations may be wonderful, but the text is vague and uninformative. There are some puzzling omissions.Dehjejia wrote a book some years ago on Orissan architecture, but there is only the briefest coverage of this topic (and she does not even list her book in the bibliography. Speaking of bibliography, there are so many important omissions that it would be difficult to list them all.For the general reader, or for use as anintroductory textbook, it would be better to use Craven's by now classic Concise History of Indian Art. ... Read more

Product Description
American Indian Healing Arts is a magical blend of plant lore, history, and living tradition that draws on a lifetime of study with native healers by herbalist and ethnobotanist E. Barrie Kavasch.

Here are the time-honored tribal rituals performed to promote good health, heal illness, and bring mind and spirit into harmony with nature. Here also are dozens of safe, effective earth remedies--many of which are now being confirmed by modern research.

Each chapter introduces a new stage in the life cycle, from the delightful Navajo First Smile Ceremony (welcoming a new baby) to the Apache Sunrise Ceremony (celebrating puberty) to the Seminole Old People's Dance.

At the heart of the book are more than sixty easy-to-use herbal remedies--including soothing rubs for baby, a yucca face mask for troubled skin, relaxing teas, massage oils, natural insect repellents, and fragrant smudge sticks. There are also guidelines for assembling a basic American Indian medicine chest. Amazon.com Review
Throughout their history, the American Indians have healedwith rituals using herbs, fungi, and other natural materials. Theyhave valued as sacred the spiritual side of life and their connection to theearth. Their medicine has always been holistic, treating thebody and spirit as one and illness as a sign of imbalance. Now we canbenefit from American Indian wisdom with American Indian HealingArts: Herbs, Rituals, and Remedies for Every Season of Life. Thisbook is organized by the stages of life, presenting different tribalperspectives on the significance of each, with ceremonies and healingrituals (songs, prayers, botanicals). The book includes more than 60recipes for treating health problems and other needs, from "cramp barktea" to "marigold-calendula deodorant cream." There are alsodirections for making tonics, ointments, tooth powders, and digestiveremedies, and illustrations consisting of leaf-rubbings of 80plants. Besides learning to use American Indian remedies, you learnfascinating facts about their ceremonies. The Navajo celebrate notonly birth, but the infant's first smile and first laugh, forexample. An Apache girl celebrates first menstruation by running anddancing for four days (guided and massaged by an elder woman). Ifyou're interested in alternative healing, or intrigued by AmericanIndian culture, this book will add to your knowledge. --JoanPrice ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

An excellent introduction to native american healing arts.
As one who frequently reads scholarly articles in the science of oncology and medicine, this is a refreshing shift of pace.The authors have taken great care to weave the culture, folk lore and medicinal herbs and traditions of the a number of the number of native peoples of North America into an easily read text for most anyone whether lay person or professional.For anyone who has studied popular native american folklore, there is the added benefit this culture.Truly an enjoyable read.

a little bit of everything
Not only does this comprehensive book cover native american medicine, but also native american culture as a whole. It contains information on herbs and herbal remedies, native american history and folk tales, poems, songs and sayings, different tribes and customs, and the list goes on and on. The layout is very appealing to the eye, with lovely illustrations. If you have any interest in Native American culture then you will absolutely love this book.

A must for your native American library!
This book is jam packed with herbal cures and remedies, shows photos/drawings of the herbs in their natural state so you know exactly what to look for. Well written and subject divided and a must for any native American library. Quite an encyclopedia of information.

TOO VAGUE
I found this book to lack depth and explanation.It vaguely lists certain herbs and plants that are of a healing nature, but the true content I was looking for was not here.I wanted more in-depth remedies for particular ailments, where this book applies certain remedies to a very hazy and small range of problems.I was also looking for a guide to ritualistic traditions rather than unmeasurable herbal concoctions.

Review fraud
The Institute for American Indian Studies did not review this book.The attributed review originated with the author. ... Read more

Product Description
A splendidly illustrated introduction to the rich history of Native American art, distinguished by its broad coverage and nuanced discussion.

This timely new book surveys the artistic traditions of indigenous North America, from those of ancient cultures such as Adena, Hopewell, Mississippian, and Anasazi to the work of modern artists like Earnest Spybuck, Fred Kabotie, Dick West, T. C. Cannon, and Gerald McMaster. The text is organized geographically and draws upon the testimonies of oral tradition, Native American history, and the latest research in North American archaeology.

Recent art historical scholarship has helped restore, to a large degree, some understanding of the identities and cultural roles of Native American artists and the social contexts of the objects they created. Native American art is often discussed simply as a cultural production rather than the work of individual artists who made objects to fufill social and cultural purposes; this book focuses as much as possible on the artists themselves, their cultural identities, and the objects they made even when the names of the individual artists remain unrecoverable.

But this is not a book of artists' biographies. It seeks to inform a general readership about the history of Native American art with a lively narrative full of historical incident and illustrated with provocative and superlative works of art. It explores the tension between artistic continuities spanning thousands of years and the startlingly fresh innovations that resulted from specific historical circumstances. The narrative weaves together so-called "traditional" arts, "tourist" arts, and Native American art of today by taking the point of view of their particular and local histories—the artists, their communities, and audiences. 180 illustrations, 80 in color.

Among the many cultures included are: Arapaho • Athapascan • Cherokee • Cheyenne • Chumash • Hopi • Hupa/Karok • Inuit • Iroquois • Kwakiutl • Lakota • Miwok • Navajo • Ojibwa • Pomo • Tlingit • Tsimshian • Uypik • Zuni ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

As Advertised
Item was delivered quicker than stated and was in perfect condition as stated.Quick and excellent service.Will do business again,

North American Indian Art (World of Art)
I received exactly what I wanted. The book was great and got me through my class. It was mailed in great condition. I would order from them again. ... Read more

Product Description
This book interprets for the Western mind the key motifs of India's legend, myth, and folklore, taken directly from the Sanskrit, and illustrated with seventy plates of Indian art. It is primarily an introduction to image-thinking and picture-reading in Indian art and thought, and it seeks to make the profound Hindu and Buddhist intuitions of the riddles of life and death recognizable not merely as Oriental but as universal elements. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Art from Ancient India- What does it mean?
This book was based on the works of Heinrich Zimmer, and it was brought to completion after Zimmer's death by Joseph Campbell.I found this an excellent resource for discovering the hidden meanings in ancient symbols.This work was vital in finding some unknown meanings that I could not find anywhere else for interpreting an artifact.

A Must Read
Zimmer was one of the world's foremost Indiologists.His insights in translating the Indian symbols and myths into a format that is easily understood, if not fully comprehended, by the Western mind is a great treasure.This book is a must read if you have interest in this topic, and should be an early read in any study of the subject.

The rich pageantry and depth of Indian mythology
In the editor's forward, Joseph Campbell notes the sudden passing away of Heinrich Zimmer in 1943 and the vast potential of the work that he had begun but was far from completing. Campbell definitely was influenced by Zimmerand was intent on continuing his work both here in this edited book and also in his own pursuits. With better photographs, this particular work could make an impressive coffee table type book, but the powerful focus evident here is not so much the pictures but the text. Zimmer had a special ability to elucidate for Westerners the rich manifestations of Indian mythology even without illustrations.

The author explains how the conception of time that underlies Hinduism and Buddhism differs from the West's linear conception of time. Rather than a continuum that starts with the Act of Creation, time is conceived of as an endless series of cycles, in which everything repeats itself throughout eternity. The universe, as we know it, is a cosmic illusion (Maya) that continually renews itself (Shakti). The gods and goddesses - such as Vishnu, Shiva and their consorts Lakshmi and Parvati-Kali - are personifications of the processes of construction and destruction. They represent the wonders and energy of the life force in dualistic masculine-feminine forms, and they also point to the ultimate release from the suffering of being trapped in space and time, attainable through intense meditation or by practicing yoga.

Contrary to the Abrahamic traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam there is no need to maintain that the stories of the gods and goddesses actually happened the way they are told, or whether the subject matter is the literal Word of God. It is clear that the gods and goddesses are masks, and that the stories are myths from which we can infer lessons on life experience. Some of these masks have a distinctly different conception from that of the West. In the Garden of Eden, for example, the serpent represents the accursed one who lures Eve into disobedience.But in Buddhism the serpent acts as the protector of the Buddha once he has attained enlightenment. In this sense, Nature is not considered separate and apart from the Creator and ultimately dust, but one with the Creator. Another major difference in mythic conception concerns the Goddess. In the Old Testament there is hardly any reference to her except as an idol whom it is a crime to worship. In Indian mythology the Goddess plays a prominent role, dating back to pre-Vedic days.

Visit India's Art and Civilization
For those of us who want to be informed about the myths and symbols from ancient civilization, this book is a must.Informative and interesting at the same time.Zimmer has accomplished a great deal in presenting such rich detail.

I had to return this book
I was NOT what I expected it to be at all. I thought the fact that it was discussing Indian art and symbols, there would actually be a goodly amount of Indian art in this book. I realized I was mistaken upon leafing through this book and finding pages and pages of text with only a few examples of the art it related to. I'm not trying to disparage the book in this review, I'm sure it was good for what it was, but it certainly wasn't what I thought I was buying. I'm just trying to keep someone else from making the same mistake I made. ... Read more

Product Description
This concise yet lively new survey guides the reader through 5,000 years of Indian art and architecture. A rich artistic tradition is fully explored through the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Colonial, and contemporary periods, incorporating discussion of modern Bangladesh and Pakistan, tribal artists, and the decorative arts.

Combining a clear overview with fascinating detail, Mitter succeeds in bringing to life the true diversity of Indian culture. The influence of Islam on the Mughal court, which produced the world-famous Taj Mahal and exquisite miniature paintings, is closely examined. More recently, he discusses the nationalist and global concerns of contemporary art, including the rise of female artists, the stunning architecture of Charles Correa, and the vibrant art scene.

The very particular character of Indian art is set within its cultural and religious milieu, raising important issues about the profound differences between Western and Indian ideas of beauty and eroticism in art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Serviceable Intro to the Subject
If you're looking for a comprehensive treatment of all issues pertaining to indian art, this ain't it.If, on the other hand, you want an authoritative introduction to a complex subject, this is the book for you.Author takes the reader through the various categories and time-frame's of Indian artistic development, with a strong emphasis on architecture in the form of palaces and places of worship.I read this after tackling Dozinger's cultural history of india, and I found this book to a useful addendum to that book.

Indian Art (Oxford History of Art)
I purchased this book for my own enjoyment and to supplement the required readings for my Asian Art class. It is a visual delight, inspiring, and highly informative as well.

Incisive portrait of a fascinating subject
This is a necessary corrective to previous, stale surveys of Indian art. It gives full attention to the whole range of art and architecture and also stresses the strong contribution of Islamic, tribal, and women's art.This is the standard volume at this time.

Hackneyed Presentation
Although Partha Mitter has written a much better book "Much Maligned Monsters", this book is a total flop. It is hackneyed and bending backwards to be politically correct. For example, a major portion of the book is devoted to Islamic Art (712-1757), but the Islamic kings did not even get properly established in India for 400 years after the putative beginning of this period. Mitter's understanding of the earliest art is less then exemplary and his choices from the most recentperiod are idiosyncratic. I was greatly disappointed in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Finally back in print--the definitive volume on Indian vegetarian cooking. Created by a noted author and lecturer, Lord Krishna's Cuisine features more than 500 recipes, filled with fresh produce and herbs, delicate spices, hot curries, and homemade dairy products. All recipes are based on readily available ingredients and have been scrupulously adapted for American kitchens. The recipes are enlivened by the author's anecdotes and personal reminiscences of her years in India, including stories of gathering recipes from royal families and temple cooks, which had been jealously guarded for centuries.Hailed by Gourmet as "definitive," and as "a marvelous source for vegetarians" by Bon Appetit, Devi has created the landmark work on the world's most sophisticated vegetarian cuisine. Repackaged and evocatively illustrated, Lord Krishna's Cuisine unlocks the mysteries of the most healthful and delicious recipes of the world.

* Winner of the International Association of Culinary Professionals Cookbook of the Year Award

"Big and beautiful."--Julia Child

"The Taj Mahal of cookbooks." --Chicago Tribune

"Monumental." --Vogue

"The food on Yamuna's table looks great! It's full of life, full of flavor, vibrant and healthy besides." --Deborah Madison, author of Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone ... Read more

Customer Reviews (72)

Lord Krishna's Cuisine is excellent vegetarian cooking resource!
Lord Krishna's Cuisine is overall 5-Stars as a cookbook in my culinary library! Extremely well written & photographed. Highly recommended.

Large recipe collection, but needs tweaking to be "the art of"
After having tried quite a number of recipes in this book, I must say that even though one of them was absolutely wonderful and some were quite good after a bit of tweaking, many were only "okay" or "so so".

I don't think the lack of garlic and onions is to blame, because I've been eating without them for quite some time now (I have an intolerance). The reason I often didn't like the recipes much were:

- the different flavors and spices often don't really come together to create a perfectly balanced, delicious whole (so that you sometimes think "ugh, if only I had used less turmeric" etc.)

- the same goes for the amount of other ingredients, such as too much water, not enough this, too much of that, cooking time does not work out etc.

- in very many recipes in here, the amount of salt recommended is not at all sufficient (sometimes only about 1/3 of what is really needed), in some others it's fine

So, there are some things I love about the book: it does definitely teach you how to cook very traditional vedic meals and does a good job of explaining the ingredients and techniques. But perhaps there were too many recipes included: a few well-tested, honed and perfected recipes would have been much better.

The way it is, it's a very large collection of authentic recipes, but not necessarily of very good, masterful recipes. For example, you could try compairing these to the recipes on a website I've recently found called "Manjula's Kitchen". Manula also doesn't eat meat, garlic or onions, but her comparatively few recipes have been honed to perfection. Exactly the right amount of each spice, ingredient, etc., so that she goes beyond average into the realm of "THE ART of Indian Vegetarian Cooking" in my opinion.

Great cookbook
The recipes I've tried from this cookbook have all been delicious. I hadn't even noticed the lack of onions and garlic that other reviewers have mentioned. I am not a cook by any means but I finally found recipes that taste good enough to make me want to cook. As a partial vegetarian for many years, this book has finally given me enough options to give up meat altogether. For non-vegetarians, these recipes would provide excellent side dishes!

ExcellentCookbookforvegetarians!!
Iboughtthisbook asIwasrunningshort ofIndian recipiesandwantedtotryoutsomething new. It was thebestbookespeciallyasithasdisheswithoutonion andgarlic. Ihighly recommend thisbookforeverybodyinterestedivegetarian healthymeals.Youwillneverregret buying it. Super-excellent book!!

Great Indian Veg Cookbook
I spent a year traveling in Indian (6 months in the North and 6 in the South) and wanted a cookbook that captured the best of what I'd tasted without all the oil and over-cooked quality of most dhaba food.I'm an avid cook and wanted something that was both easy and DIY, not using pre-made sauces + spices mixes.After looking at every book with favorable reviews, this was my pick!I bought this in conjunction with From Mom with Love, which has better coverage of South Indian cuisine.I'm full veg, but not in the Indian sense (no onions, garlic, etc.), and am very satisfied with the wealth of traditional and unique recipes included in this book - a virtual encyclopedia.Enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description
This exciting new investigation explores the indigenous arts of the US and Canada from the early pre-Columbian period to the present day, stressing the conceptual and iconographic continuities over five centuries and across an immensely diverse range of regions. The richness of Native American art is emphasized through discussions of basketry, wood and rock carvings, dance masks, and beadwork, alongside the contemporary vitality of paintings and installations by modern artists such as Robert Davidson, Emmi Whitehorse, and Alex Janvier. Authors Berlo and Philips fully incorporate substantive new research and scholarship, and examine such issues as gender, representation, the colonial encounter, and contemporary arts. By encompassing both the sacred and secular, political and domestic, the ceremonial and commercial, Native North American Art shows the importance of the visual arts in maintaining the integrity of spiritual, social , political, and economic systems within Native North American societies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Online too
The book is a text book for my college class.I was delighted that for only a little extra I was able to get an online version as well as the hard copy.This is helpful when I am writing papers and need to search a topic.Information is up-to-date and respects the request of tribes not to show pictures of come ceremonies.

Beautiful photos, excellent overview of the subject
This book was required for an Introduction to Native American Arts class that I took just for fun at school. It is an easy and interesting read, and the punctuation of gorgeous photographs of a wide range of art from all over the North American regions, makes it a pleasant experience. While I do not keep all of my textbooks, this is one that will remain in my collection as a reference and as one that I anticipate using as I research Native American cultures in upcoming classes.

My only criticism of this book is that "art" is by default, defined as only visual arts, rather than including performance, literary and musical arts. It is also only an overview, and will not provide a complete explanation of every type of Native American art tradition, or even represent every tribal group.

Quite honestly, I would recommend this book to anyone researching or studying Native American culture, history and/or tradition, since the art is much more interesting to many people, and the culture, history and tradition are such an important part of the art, reading about Native art will also give a good overview of the other subjects.

Native North American Art
Was wonderful to find a book covering Native American art with photos that I haven't seen over and over in various other reference publications. Easy to read. In great condition and came right on time.
thanks!

a must-have, for all levels.
Berlo's and Phillips' erudite, critical voices are a welcome change from the often glossy, sales-driven world of Indian art writing.True to form, they have together crafted a sophisticated and highly readable survey of pre-contact, historic and contemporary Indian art, suitable for undergrads, grads, and the casual layperson.This book fills a HUGE gap, and stakes out a territory that few other scholars would dare venture; between connoisseurship, anthropology, visual culture and criticl theory.It is therefore to be expected that specialists of a particular region might take issue with some of their finer details.But specialist nit-picking misses the larger point of this book: to show how Native tribes across North America continued their cultural traditions despite colonialism and intertribal contact.It is a complex, interwoven history, but Indian art emerges, through this book, as one of the most vital, politically engaged arts in America today.This book sets the standard for Indian Art surveys.

superb one-book resource
one book can only give the reader a brief overview of the wealth of american indian art. the traditional art (i don't acknowledge a split between art and craft) was produced by all the nations, spans pre-historic and historic eras, and has been collected for centuries. the contemporary art is flourishing and much is breathtaking. that being said, this book does a wonderful job of covering such an immense subject.

the only complaint i have is the relative paucity of photos. but i would feel that way if the book were nothing but photos. ... Read more

Product Description
The grave, sensuous, and infinitely varied arts of India have long been admired in the West. This engaging book tells the story clearly and vividly from the first, still mysterious, beginnings in the Indus valley, through the great masterpieces of Buddhist and Hindu art to the coming of Islam, the eclectic culture of the Mughal court, and the golden age of miniature painting. Much of Indian art is immediately accessible to the outsider, but much is also enigmatic, needing interpretation and guidance before it can be enjoyed in depth: the strange pantheon of the Hindu gods, the subtle insights of Buddhist mysticism, or the complex symbolism of the miniatures. For this edition, the late Professor Craven thoroughly revised the text and incorporated works by contemporary artists, linking their achievements to the traditions of Indian art. A new glossary and time line are also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not great.
A concise history indeed!Craven does admit that this book contributes little to the study of Indian art and that it only mentions the most studied works.This text was purchased for an art history course and I would have to say that while it gets the job done, it is not a stand out text by any means.
I am not a proof-reader or a literary critic but I found the writing to be "clunky".While reading I got the impression that the author wrote this book from notes or dictations.
This book does not do the art of India justice.The text detracted from what I am sure is a fascinating subject.All-in-all, not great.

Excellent overview/explanation of Indian Art.
This is an excellent overview of Indian art for beginners.It takes you through the major periods and styles, and concisely explains why each artistic/architectural development is significant.

I think,it's the best book for beginners i have seen.
I have just start reading this book & it's very interesting,useful& a very good helper for beginners.At the same time it is a very goodreferance book.Some topics in this book are real nice & helpful foreg.The Mauryan period,South India,Islamic India & Jain,Rajasthani &Pahari painting.This famous book provides the widest available range ofillustrated topics on art in all it's aspects.But there is something inthis book which is still missing & i can not find out that what ismissing?still it's a very good book for the beginners like me & i loveto take refarences from this book & to use it as a course book in fineart in my college.That's only what i can say about this lovely,useful &great book.And i like to say thanks to the authur of this book that is ROYC. CRAVEN for writing such a lovely & useful book for all the artlovers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great learning tool
I purchased this book when I was new to learning about NW indian art. This book was very helpful to me in developing my own original art as it is rich with many fine examples of work produced by masters, and contains excellent commentary to go with it. As I continue to develop my own art, I find I keep going back to this book as a reference tool. There are other excellent books out there on this art form, but I would highly recommend this as one of the few you pick up to get started learning about it.

also helpful for studying ancient Chinese art
I wish I had read this book before I studied the "inscrutable" art of the Shang and Chou dynasties.Indeed, this book give you a methodology to approach all the arts of Pacific basin cultures.

The visual Totem Poles
Hello from Barcelona:

This book shows all the different animal and motifs typologies found at the northwest coast indian totem poles, houses and boxes decorations. Great explanation and examples, designs and variations.
Perfect if you already know a bit of the main subject or just want to learn the aesthetic and the visuals: not enough if you want to understand the art and the culture behind the northwest coast.
By the way, all the examples shown are mostly draws and illustrations.

Informative
I find that the Northwest Indian Art is a fascinating and strong art form - I felt this book gave me a further understanding of it.

Not all "Northwest Coast"
Great, yet another book about "Northwest Coast" and "Coast Salish" art that ignores the art of the Salish Indians of Western Washington.Ever since J. E. Standley flooded the Seattle tourist market with the fake Kwakiutle artwork, fake totem poles, and other hybrids of art forms from the northern coast Salish tribes, the art forms that are indigenous to our tribes here in western Washington have been all but forgotten, brushed aside by authors who chase the market with books that pretend to deal with all "of the Northwest Coast" but in reality ignore anything south of the 49th Parallel. ... Read more

Product Description
Early Art of the Southeastern Indians is a visual journey through time, highlighting some of the most skillfully created art in native North America. The remarkable objects described and pictured here, many in full color, reveal the hands of master artists who developed lapidary and weaving traditions, established centers for production of shell and copper objects, and created the first ceramics in North America.

Presenting artifacts originating in the Archaic through the Mississippian periods—from thousands of years ago through A.D. 1600—Susan C. Power introduces us to an extraordinary assortment of ceremonial and functional objects, including pipes, vessels, figurines, and much more. Drawn from every corner of the Southeast—from Louisiana to the Ohio River valley, from Florida to Oklahoma—the pieces chronicle the emergence of new media and the mastery of new techniques as they offer clues to their creators’ widening awareness of their physical and spiritual worlds.

The most complex works, writes Power, were linked to male (and sometimes female) leaders. Wearing bold ensembles consisting of symbolic colors, sacred media, and richly complex designs, the leaders controlled large ceremonial centers that were noteworthy in regional art history, such as Etowah, Georgia; Spiro, Oklahoma; Cahokia, Illinois; and Moundville, Alabama. Many objects were used locally; others circulated to distant locales.

Power comments on the widening of artists’ subjects, starting with animals and insects, moving to humans, then culminating in supernatural combinations of both, and she discusses how a piece’s artistic "language" could function as a visual shorthand in local style and expression, yet embody an iconography of regional proportions. The remarkable achievements of these southeastern artists delight the senses and engage the mind while giving a brief glimpse into the rich, symbolic world of feathered serpents and winged beings. ... Read more

Product Description
California Indian baskets are considered by many to be among the world's most beautiful, sophisticated, and cherished art objects. This full-color book brings together 62 of the finest baskets ever created, each carefully chosen for their aesthetic value from museums and private collections all over the United States, including the Field Museum in Chicago, the Smithsonian, and Harvard's Peabody Museum.

Even baskets of everyday use, such as cooking baskets and seedbeaters, exhibit an astoundingly sophisticated level of design, while specially made gift baskets adorned with bird feathers and beads are objects of pure exuberance. Some of them are over 150 years old, while others were made within the last few years.

Color photographs of each basket are accompanied by insightful commentary not only from art historians and knowledgeable academic scholars, but also from prominent native weavers and California Indian artists in other media. Their eye for native aesthetics shows us how to look at the baskets in a new and exciting way.

This strong combination of visual beauty and knowledgeable insight makes _The Fine Art of California Indian Basketry_ one of the most important books ever published on the subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book on California Indian Basketry
I particularly enjoyed this book because I am interested in California Indian history.Indian basket weaving is truly an art and I'm glad to see it handed down from the master basket weavers to the generations that follow.This book features some of the very talented weavers.I specifically got this book because my cousin is featured in it.

Just fabulous
If you're an art historian + are going to give a lecture on the art of Native California, you definitely need this book.It's beautifully produced and very inclusive.

It covers all basketry traditions from the various geographical areas in California, looks at differences between and within tribal styles, includes utility as well as art or "tourist" baskets, discusses baskets by makers both unknown and extremely famous, and it doesn't ignore baskets made by*male* weavers.No tradition is marginalized in favor of another in this work, and that's unusual!

What makes this book really great, though, are the mini-interviews with contemporary Native California weavers and other artists (including the late Vivien Hailstone and Harry Fonseca) about the individual pieces reproduced in the book.These people give the reader insights into weaving that would otherwise be missed.It's nice to see a book on Native America where the Indian voice is so fundamentally present. ... Read more

Product Description
The Art of American Indian Cooking is a sensuous journey of color, scent, and flavor through five North American regions. Using the bounty in ingredients available - such as avocados, sweet or Idaho potatoes, pineapples, pumpkins, wild game, and seafood, the American Indian first combined these gifts of the earth into what many of us now consider to be traditional American cooking. Offering such delicacies as Zuni green chili stew and roast pheasant stuffed with grapes and nuts, plus simple favorites such as baked acorn squash with honey and Chippewa wild rice, The Art of American Indian Cooking presents some of the best-loved dishes our continent has to impart.Adapted for modern kitchens, these recipes are as inspired today as they were at their inception, reflecting the terrain, climate, and culture from which they emerged. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Art of American Indian Cooking
This book is dry.While there is some great information in it.I found that when I put it down I could not remember one of the recipes.

Re level of accurate knowledge of pre-contact Indn foods
We Indigenous of this Turtle Island GAVE potatoes, tomatoes, & similar to the world, so where those who reviewed this book got the wild idea that we didn't have those things is beyond me.Maybe they'er wannabe Caucasians with the standard paternalistic view of us 'poor ignerent savajs'.As for honey - we had that, too, as did most of the rest of the world.We gave over 200 different foods alone to the rest of the world.
It's high time someone took note of that from outside the Indn world, & got the rest of the sophomores off their high horses.
We didn't have noodles - those came from China.We made dumplings.
We didn't eat our food raw - we cooked it. We did have spices, but not the same ones that lost Italian creep was looking for.
Duwahleh! These people who say such things as were said about us Indns should subscribe to the ancient teaching (from everyone's culture) that "if you keep your mouth shut, folks might think you're a fool, but if you open it & pour out inaccurate paternalistic garbage, you will remove any doubt".

Good food
The recipes are quite good.I would like to weigh in, however, on the issue of the 'traditionality' of the various dishes included here.An earlier reviewer mentioned that the recipes 'are only traditional in a pan-American sense', but I would differ with that characterization.First, a good number of the recipes call for nothing more than what would have been available to the particular tribes in question in pre-Columbian times.Only some of the recipes include ingredients originally from Central & South America & elsewhere.But further, I wonder whether it is in fact wrong to call the dishes that *do* include ingredients from afar traditional.Using this criterion one would have to count out tomato-based sauces as part of Italian culinary tradition, for instance, or for that matter Italian noodles, the making of which was learned from China.Most if not all of the dishes probably represent traditional Indian cookery in one form or another, whether traditions pre-existing the arrival of Europeans or arising afterwards.But it is worthwhile noting that some of these dishes likely came into being later than others, as the earlier reviewer took pains to do.

so-so
A fun book, but the recipes are only traditional in a pan-american sense.In other words, before the arrival of Europeans, north american indians didn't have potatoes, apples, avocados, honey, etc.If you are interested in north american indian tradition/history, this book will probably disappoint.

A Delacacy for both the Mind and the Stomach
This cookbook is a wonderful source of knowledge in addition to recipes.The recipes are easy to follow and many are delicious.Even my children who are at times picky eaters enjoyed tasting and helping prepare the recipes.We used the book as a resource while doing a research paper on Iroquios food. We learned alot from reading the information and found it to be written very well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Excellent Introduction To Rock Art
This book provides a wonderful overview of petroglyphs and pictographs ingeneral, with the emphasis on the Northwestern states (Oregon, Washington,Idaho, Western Montana) and British Columbia. There are images on nearlyevery page including black and white photos and drawing recreations. Manyelements of rock art are described and defined. There is a time lineillustrating eras from pit and groove to modern, and a brief description ofwhat Native American Indians were doing during that time. There are alsosome quantitative charts of elements. This is a great book for anyoneinterested in Native Americans, Archaeology, Rock Art, or a great way toget interested. ... Read more

Product Description
Don't miss this exciting encore to Charles Overstreet's award winning first book.Book II follows the format of the highly successful first book, but provides a completely new set of projects to explore.The new handbook focuses on arts, crafts and accoutrements made and used by the Plains and Mountain Indians of North America.The historical information accompanying each project, written in the author's entertaining, down to earth style, is fascinating to read.And, above all, this is a how-to book; using this guide's easy to follow instructions and illustrations makes replication of these traditional items a simple and enjoyable task.

Employing both traditional and modern methods, thismanual features 40 projects ranging from a Blackfoot Fish Trap to a Wolf Hat in the style of the Wind River Shoshone. The book provides the hobbyist with a good, varied selection of items that can be made relatively inexpensively.The author has carefully researched each project and consulted with members of various Indian tribes to assure their authenticity.He provides historicalbackground on the use and significance of each piece.

Projects included are:Blackfoot Fish Trap; Hidatsa Rake; Arikara Fire Drill; Kiowa Backrest; Hidatsa Hide Basket; Blackfoot Dog Travois; Lakota Cradleboard; Cheyenne Medicine Bag; Nez Perce Arrow Quiver; Kutenai Shell Rattle; Kiowa Fleshing Tool; Blood Bear-Claw Necklace; Hidatsa Wooden Rasp; Omaha Hair Brush; Cheyenne Hair Decoration; Gros Ventre Tobacco Bag; Lakota Sioux Ghost Dance Shirt; Cheyenne Moccasins; Crow Ceremonial Carving; Ute Eagle-Bone Whistle; Piegan Otter Hat; Shoshone Medicine Wheel; Comanche Elk-Jaw Axe; Paiute Ceremonial Antler Baton; Sacred Doll of the Crow Sun Dance; Crow Hot Dance Carving;Sauk Fox Rawhide Trunk; Cheyenne Dog-Soldier Staff; Ute Dance Rattle; Crow Beaver-Skull Coup Stick; Bannock Medicine Feather; Kiowa Medicine Man Bag; Comanche Horse Quirt; Sioux War Banner; Wind River Shoshone Wolf-Face Hat; Ponca Thunder Stick; Cree Pemmican Maul; Arapaho Maiden's Dance Belt; Flathead Woman's Necklace; and Plains Cree Skin Rattle. A very useful list of references is also included.

A wonderful book for the young or old, for those interested in Native Americans and for those whose talents lead them to make things with their hands.

155 illustrations; 49 photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Plains Indian and Mountian Man Arts and Crafts
If you are into this, it is a good book to have. I like mine and it has interesting ideas.

Not what I was looking for
I was looking for Indian crafts that were a little more detailed than these.There are some but, for the most part, this would be a better book for kids to learn Indian crafts.

Excellant "How To" book of Native American crafts
This book is MUCH better than the first. He references most of the projects in this book. Many of the projects in this book are actually usable. ... Read more

Product Description
A new edition of this classic cookbook is now available in a handy "best of" format.

A decade ago Yamuna Devi's Lord Krishna's Cuisine was named Cookbook of the Year by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). The James Beard Foundation then recognized Devi's second book, Yamuna's Table, as the Best International Cookbook of the year in 1992. Now this beloved author, lecturer, and teacher returns with her favorite dishes from the definitive Lord Krishna's Cuisine. Featuring 172 recipes like Sweet Saffron Rice with Currants and Pistachios, Savory Chickpeas in a Tangy Tomato Glaze, and Pear Chutney with Dates and Pecans, this book brings together the exotic flavors, delicate spices, and superb nutrition for which Indian cuisine is known and loved. Today's time-pressed cooks will appreciate both the simplicity of Yamuna Devi's approach and the dishes she has chosen. And fans of vegetarian Indian cuisine will appreciate the authenticity, the healthfulness, and the exquisite taste of these great recipes.

"Wide-ranging, detailed . . . the product of a spiritual and culinary journey." --The New York Times (on Lord Krishna's Cuisine)

"Definitive." --Gourmet (on Lord Krishna's Cuisine)Amazon.com Review
India's vegetable cuisine is the world's most varied. That wasproven by Yamuna Devi's encyclopedic Lord Krishna's Cuisine: theArt of Vegetarian Cooking. Drawing on it, The Best of LordKrishna's Cuisine presents 172 meatless dishes--detailed,wide-ranging recipes that focus on lightness and cooking ease. Readersseeking an introduction to the vibrant cooking of India's vegetarians(many Krishna devotees) as well as those wishing practical recipes forsophisticated meatless cooking will be delighted.

Divided into chapters exploring dals (legumes), pilafs and vegetable dishes,salads, and snacks and desserts, among others, the book beautifully balancesaccessible recipes with lively investigation. (Devi examines, for example, theplace of dals in Indian culinary tradition, their kinds and uses, nutritionalvalue, and various preparation methods, including pressure cooking.) Equallyuseful are the recipe head notes, which offer extensive tips on techniques;flavor information; ingredient profiles and serving suggestions. Worth tryingimmediately are Devi's Curried Potatoes with Eggplant; Baked Bananas withTamarind-Flavored Coconut; and Zucchini Pakoras with Crushed Peanuts, one ofmany delectable fritter recipes. Among the chutneys, the sweet tomato withfennel and the golden papaya chip would make exciting accompaniments. Thedesserts, including Cardamom Shortbread Cookies and Pistachio Milk Fudge,challenge the usual Western indifference to Indian sweets. The authoralso offers chilled drinks like the intriguing Perfumed SandalwoodCrush. Concluding with a comprehensive glossary, the book provides awindow on an ancient culinary art made modern by Devi's inquiringspirit and practical know-how. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great cookbook!
While I can't judge the "authenticity" of Yamuna Devi's recipes, I can comment on their deliciousness. I've had her books since 1991 and they've been indispensable in my culinary education. As the years have passed I've found myself adapting favorite recipes -- adding onions and garlic, for example -- to my family's tastes. I did find some of her techniques intimidating back in 1991 when I was a newbie vegetarian cook. But honestly over the years I've discovered that they're incredibly useful not just for preparing these recipes, but in making other dishes as well. I've also discovered a lot of wonderful ingredients thanks to Devi's books -- asafoetida/hing is an incredible spice, for exanple! I highly recommend her work!

Superb, tasty recipes from a respected author and chef
A couple of the reviewers who have said here that the recipes are not authentically Indian are completely misinformed about what authentic Indian food is like, and what Indians do and do not eat. The recipes in it come out great and are meticulously explained. As an Indian, I can assure you they are authentic. There are large numbers of Indians who do eat food like the recipes in this book. This is exactly what authentic Indian food was until even fifty years ago, across large parts of India.

Unfortunately, Indian cuisine has become polluted by ideas on nutrition borrowed from the west - more sugar, onions, meat, eggs - and not by coincidence, this has been followed by the introduction of diseases that were absent in India till recently - diabetes, heart disease, obesity.

Specifically about the recipes presented in this book: if you follow them, you will find the resultant food is bursting with flavor and health, but not with the oily, heavy, hyper-spicy fullness that characterises a lot ofso-called Indian food in many restaurants and 'Indian' cookbooks across the world. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book or her larger, original cookbook.

The very best cookbook I own
This is not just a collection of recipes, it is a full-fledged education in the ways and means of indian cooking, replete with cultural background.The ancient and authentic recipes she shares are carefully detailed and easy to follow.Many are easy to prepare.It is a fascination and delight to read.

Authentic?Depends on your perspective
If you are more concerned with adhering to Vedic principles than in creating interesting Indian food, then by golly, this is the cookbook for you.Probably you don't consider other Indian food to be authentic (just the way Texans don't consider Kansas City or Carolina barbeque to be REAL barbeque), but let's face it:most Indians no longer adhere strictly to the Vedic principles when it comes to food preparation.No onions, no garlic?I don't think so.

This is a cookbook more concerned with Vedic hair-splitting than with creating decent recipes.I found that most of the recipes I tried were unnecessarily complicated, if not downright unworkable, and the results, more often than not, were totally bland and uninteresting. After several unsatisfying attempts, I abandoned this cookbook as a hopeless case, and it has gathered dust on my bookshelf for the last 7-8 years.

Keep in mind that the author (the former Joan Campanella) is a convert to what we commonly define as the Hare Krishnas, and that the followers of this movement comprise a tiny fraction of India's population.They are like Vegans, as compared to your average Vegetarian, and their food cannot by any definition be called the food of the average Indian.

It amazes me that the recipes of a western convert are called more authentic than the recipes of native Indians, but then again, it is most likely only other converts to the Krishna Consciousness movement saying that.

If this belief system appeals to you, then by all means, use this cookbook with great relish.There is plenty of Vaishnava musing to be found within this book's pages.The rest of us prefer not to die of boredom or frustation from unworkable recipes.

not authentic, not very indian
I

That book that:

"A decade ago Yamuna Devi's Lord Krishna'sCuisine was named Cookbook of the Year by the International Association ofCulinary Professionals "

was given that award when it waspractically the only indian cookbook on the shelf back in the late 70's.Back then people didn't know what real indian cuisine tasted like.

As anindian I will tell you, these recipes are NOT authentic indian at all.Although they follow strict VEDIC indian food guidelines, in that there isno garlic, onion, meat, eggs etc., they could be much, much better.

This is more like very bland (remember no onion etc.) AMERICAN FOOD thatfollows VEDIC indian GUIDLINES with a few indian spices thrown in. What amess!

Unless you are a really following vedic guildlines for religiousreasons and have tried everything else, there are much better books to buy.

If you ARE following vedic guidlines I would suggest you do a searchon the internet for vedic indian cookbooks (from India) because this is theonly one I've come across here and its really bad.I mean really bad:(.

If you are just looking for indian cookbooks buy a Muthu Jaffrey'scookbook (indian)to get started or Neelam Batra's (fusion indian) arereally delicious too! ... Read more

Product Description
Text and photographs examine the artistic heritage of the Indian tribes inhabiting the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada. ... Read more