Jerusalem Stone And spirit

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all hold Jerusalem sacred, and practitioners of all faiths have portrayed the city in art as it has been shaped by political forces throughout history. Both authors discuss Jerusalem’s history, mixing in the romantic elements of art and the grandeur of architecture. Bahat combines text and art in a complementary fashion, focusing on the emotional and religious components of Jerusalem’s historical development. He presents the romantic and religious views of Jerusalem held by three monotheistic religions and discusses how the art became a way to create a consciousness of the holy site for people far away. The art reflects visions of Jerusalem by both European and Islamic artists, though there are too few representations of Islamic art. Brooke’s discussion covers sacred space, pilgrimage, and photographers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The photos, primarily of ruins, houses of worship, and buildings in sacred places, illustrate how buildings create and further a place’s centrality for a people. Bahat and Brooke both succeed in demonstrating Jerusalem’s presence in religious consciousness, showing how the city, its respective governments, and the three monotheistic religions have left their mark on one another. These books complement each other and can be enjoyed separately; both are recommended for public and academic libraries where there is interest in the subject.ANaomi E. Hafter, Broward Cty. P.L., Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.