Synopsis
Describes the planning and construction of the tomb that became a symbol of undying love.
Uma Krishnaswami - Children's Literature
Lucent's "Building History" series (other titles range from Alcatraz to The World Trade Center) presents the stories behind structures, both monumental and iconic, in the history of human endeavor. This volume is about a building that has come to be known as the world's most extravagant monument to romantic love. It includes, of course, the story of Shah Jahan and the noblewoman Arjumand Banu who is known to history as his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. But there are other stories here, most significantly those of the building itself-its planning and construction, its elaborate ornamentation and gardens, and both defacement and efforts at restoration in our time. Sectional drawings and plans clarify aspects of design, structural elements, and landscaping. Sidebars address interesting background information on subjects such as the tomb of Itimad-ud-daula, thought to be the artistic and architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal; the myth of the black marble mausoleum; and the controversy surrounding the origins of the famed pietra dura, or marble inlay work of the period. The narrative is clear and manages to pack an enormous amount of information into the 97 pages of text. The author presents the building in the context of life during the Mughal era, with both its glories and its harsher aspects. Room is found even for the revisionist histories that sought at various times to attribute the architecture of the building to foreign artisans. Maps and archival photographs, source notes, index, glossary, a reading list, bibliography and a timeline are additional offerings in front and back matter. 2003, Lucent Books, Ages 9 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Lucent's "Building History" series (other titles range from Alcatraz to The World Trade Center) presents the stories behind structures, both monumental and iconic, in the history of human endeavor. This volume is about a building that has come to be known as the world's most extravagant monument to romantic love. It includes, of course, the story of Shah Jahan and the noblewoman Arjumand Banu who is known to history as his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. But there are other stories here, most significantly those of the building itself-its planning and construction, its elaborate ornamentation and gardens, and both defacement and efforts at restoration in our time. Sectional drawings and plans clarify aspects of design, structural elements, and landscaping. Sidebars address interesting background information on subjects such as the tomb of Itimad-ud-daula, thought to be the artistic and architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal; the myth of the black marble mausoleum; and the controversy surrounding the origins of the famed pietra dura, or marble inlay work of the period. The narrative is clear and manages to pack an enormous amount of information into the 97 pages of text. The author presents the building in the context of life during the Mughal era, with both its glories and its harsher aspects. Room is found even for the revisionist histories that sought at various times to attribute the architecture of the building to foreign artisans. Maps and archival photographs, source notes, index, glossary, a reading list, bibliography and a timeline are additional offerings in front and back matter. 2003, Lucent Books, Ages 9 up.— Uma Krishnaswami