The Sun: Symbol of Power and Life
This unique foray into comparative iconography is copublished by UNESCO and created within the framwork of the United Nations World Decade for Cultural Development. Twenty undocumented essays by 24 scholars from around the world survey the creative influence of the sun on art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, festivals, sports, folklore, dance, and music. Singh, an art historian and career diplomat now with UNESCO, contributes a lengthy, rambling introduction steeped in Far Eastern sun symbolism. Fully half of the essays cover Asian cultures. Byzantine and Russian, Slavic, Greek, Ancient European, French, Ancient Egyptian, African, Mayan, Aztec, and Andean cultures receive a scant chapter each (some only ten pages). Despite its imbalance, The Sun provides a substantial introduction to cross-cultural awareness of the one energy source that links us all. A sumptuous production boasting 520 illustrations and photographs suitable for most academic and special libraries.- Russell T. Clement, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.