Edited by Kerry Brown Paperback 250 pages, 24 color plates Routledge Publishers in association with the Sikh Foundation ISBN: 0-415-20289-2

This first book on the art and literature of the Sikhs traverses the 500-year history of a religion that dawned with the modern age in a land that was a thoroughfare of invading armies, ideas, religions and arts of east and west.

Ten essays and an introduction by art curators, collectors, and scholars are illustrated with some of the finest Sikh art and artifacts. The poetry of the scriptures, the illustrated life stories of Guru Nanak, the early paintings from various artistic schools and regions, the dazzling treasuries of the Sikh kingdoms, the romantic artworks of visiting European dignitaries, and the serenity of Sikh sacred architecture all provide doorways to this heroic and revolutionary faith. Its modernism and mysticism are explored in essays on the holy Guru Granth Sahib, the first translations and scholarship in English, the poetry of modern Punjabi literature; and 20th century Sikh fiction writers.

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A great book for introducing yourself and others to the heart of Sikhism. Reader Reviews Wonderful book but... I had an opportunity to go through this wonderful book. It contains very informative material. I did not like the 'Golden Temple, Marble Forum' chapter by Henry J. Walker. I find the chapter pretty weak. With my background in architecture and landscape architecture, his comparison between Sikh architecture and Roman architecture does not make any sense to me.

Rajinder Jutla, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Community and Regional Planning, Dept. of Geography, Geology & Planning, Southwest Missouri State University

Editorial Review New insights into the artistic and literary achievements of Sikhism This scholarly, and very readable book, brings to the attention of the reading public, in India as well as in the West, new insights into the artistic and literary achievements of Sikhism, a dynamic religious community. It is the often overlooked aspects of the Sikh community, not the more familiar story of Sikhs, that are presented with scholarly appreciation in this valuable addition to our understanding of Sikh contributions worldwide. Ainslee T. Embree, Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University

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