Review by Choice Review
Although the title suggests a book for specialists (beautifully designed at that), this work serves as a terrific introduction to Afghanistan's history and high architectural culture. Afghanistan has received much media attention over the past six years, but predominantly for its politics and wars, with negligible insight into the country's ethnically and culturally diverse traditions. In featuring monumental gems, archaeologist Ball provides a synoptic account of Afghan history that proves accessible and insightful. Spanning eras where Buddhistic (South Asian Buddhist influences), Hellenistic (Greek), and Islamic rulers and architecture held sway, the text features breathtaking photos, detailed plans and diagrams, and site maps that accompany expository text. Afghanistan's beautiful landscapes and numerous ethnic groups receive vivid representation, too. If there is one deficiency to Ball's efforts, it is that his book provides no general or contemporary political map of Afghanistan. A glossary of common Afghan words as well as architectural terms helps readers navigate the foreign names and phrases that occur throughout the book. Ball has furnished a valuable addition to scholarship on Afghanistan. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels from undergraduates to professional specialists. R. G. Zanca Northeastern Illinois University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
