Grabar, Oleg

The Alhambra

ISBN: 0674015568
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1978. First Edition. Hardcover. "Here is a vivid portrayal- handsomely illustrated- of one of the world's most famous and intriguing buildings. The Alhambra is a fortified enclosure on the highest mountain spur overlooking Granada. It is also the best-preserved palace from the medieval civilization of Islam, renowned for the exquisitely luxurious art of its princes. In this book a distinguished scholar of Islamic art explains the Alhambra in history, suggesting why this particular monument was built, relating it to the traditions, Islamic and non-Islamic, from which it sprang, and considering the degree to which it is characteristic (though a striking example) of court art in the Islamic world and in medieval Europe. Mr. Grabar describes and evaluates the Alhambra's plan and structure, identifies ceremonial or symbolic meanings in its forms and ornamentation, discusses possible uses of its parts and the builders' intent." (from front flap) The classic study of the Alhambra, located in Granada, Spain- one of the most breathtaking works of architecture & design ever created (as this writer can attest to, having visited it as so many tourists from all over the world have over the centuries)- by Oleg Grabar (1929-2011), the acclaimed French-American historian & archeologist. Lavishly illustrated with plans, exterior & interior views of the Alhambra & similar contemporary structures for purposes of comparison. Hardcover in unclipped first-issue dust jacket (with $15 price printed on front flap), first American edition issued simultaneously with a UK edition, first printing with no reference to subsequent printings on copyright page as per custom of this venerable academic imprint. From the collection of George V. Buehler (1933-2020), who was a prominent real estate developer & collector in Massachusetts & Arizona. We found & have retained (between rear endpaper & paste-down) several printed-out documents relating to Buehler's purchase of this item during January 2011, & of apparent further research of other copies during 2012-2015, all folded & in very fine condition. A most essential collectible in the realm of world-historic architecture & design, in one of its rarest original forms & with distinguished provenance. Book in fine condition with only slight wear, fading to edges & corners of orange-brown cloth front, back covers & spine; very slight browning to edges of text block. Interior fine with only slight browning to paste-downs & endpapers (which feature duplicate plans of the Royal Palace at the Alhambra) esp. near edges; slight, partial loosening of one signature from binding (pgs. 30-31, but still fully attached). Dust jacket fine with very light rubbing to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same & flaps. Fine / Fine. [Item #4843]

Price: $75.00