Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire
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.(Apr.)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.