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Title details for Taj Mahal by Diana Preston - Available

Taj Mahal

A Love Affair at the Heart of the Moghul Empire

by Diana Preston
Michael Preston
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

While Galileo was suffering under house arrest at the hands of Pope Urban VIII, the Thirty Years War was ruining Europe, and the Pilgrims were struggling to survive in the New World, work began on what would become one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal. Built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, its flawless symmetry and gleaming presence have for centuries dazzled all who have seen it.

The story of its creation is a fascinating blend of cultural and architectural heritage. Yet, as Diana and Michael Preston vividly convey in the first narrative history of the Taj Mahal, it also reflects the magnificent history of the Moghul Empire, beginning with legendary warriors Genghis Khan and Tamburlaine.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    January 1, 2006

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781481581899
      • File size: 288309 KB
      • Duration: 10:00:38

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Text Difficulty: 9-12

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      James Adams's clear, straightforward narration is perfectly suited to this history of one of the world's most beloved architectural landmarks. The story begins with the saga of the Moghul Empire and the legendary warrior Genghis Khan. In a light British accent, Adams expresses Shah Jahan's struggles to immortalize his wife and their love for each other with this memorial--known for its flawless symmetry. Adams also captures the emotions and wonder of those dazzled by a visit. Adams's reading is smooth and inspiring, especially as he delivers quotes and anecdotes. Listeners will appreciate the history surrounding this highlight of Moghul art and architecture. S.C.A. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      January 1, 2007
      Built in 1631 by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his wife, Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is one of the world's few instantly recognizable architectural landmarks, "an expression not only of supreme love but also of confident power and opulent majesty." To tell its story, the Prestons (A Pirate of Exquisite Mind
      ), British historians, trace several generations in the violent family history of India's Moghul rulers and the elaborate mausoleums they built. Though Shah Jahan—who ascended to the throne after killing his brother—undoubtedly loved Mumtaz dearly, their lives turn out to have been slightly less romantic than the legend. Mumtaz died while delivering the 14th child of their 19-year marriage, after which her husband honored her wish that he never take another wife but relied on the constant companionship of concubines. It's the family saga and the exotic palace life that hold the Prestons' attention, but they supply just enough architectural details to satisfy those who might be more interested in how the building supports its massive central dome. Though many questions about the Taj remain unanswered, this small history breaks through the legendary facade to reveal a powerful backstory. 8 color and 55 b&w illus.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Text Difficulty:9-12

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