Colour Of Paradise

Among the magnificent gems and jewels left behind by the great Islamic empires, emeralds stand out for their size and prominence. For the Mughals, Ottomans, and Safavids green was—as it remains for all Muslims—the color of Paradise, reserved for the Prophet Muhammad and his descendants. Tapping a wide range of sources, Kris Lane traces the complex web of global trading networks that funneled emeralds from backland South America to populous Asian capitals between the sixteenth and the eighteenth centuries. Lane reveals the bloody conquest wars and forced labor regimes that accompanied their production. It is a story of trade, but also of transformations—how members of profoundly different societies at opposite ends of the globe assigned value to a few thousand pounds of imperfectly shiny green rocks.

This collection's title points to the underlying philosophy expressed in these poems: that earthly joy is, or ought to be, just within, but is often beyond our reach, denied by racism, misogyny, physical cruelty and those with the class power to deny others their share of worldly goods and pleasures.

In this immersive new coloring book, Maggie Enterrios, whose stunning illustrations inspire on Instagram and beyond, gives readers the opportunity to interact with her artwork first-hand and connect with their own creativity. Bold florals pop on every page and leave plenty of room for color, while intricate details keep things interesting. These designs go beyond simple florals, weaving in animals, shells and other natural elements for lush, unique scenes that provide a sense of discovery. It’s been proven that adult coloring books are the perfect way to de-stress, and Maggie’s compositions are specifically designed to delight, engage and provide a haven of relaxation during busy days. Perforated pages and high-quality watercolor paper make it easy to display and gift personalized artwork. Maggie’s stylish, imaginative pen and ink drawings will bring out everyone’s inner artist.

Enjoy a relaxing flight to a coloring wonderland where every bird is decked in fine feathers. Whimsical drawings of parrots, peacocks, and other birds offer a splendid array of detailed patterns to color.

In recent years there has been a remarkable surge in Iranian films expressing contentious issues which would otherwise be very difficult to discuss publicly inside the Islamic Republic of Iran - such as the role of clergy in Iranian society. Nacim Pak-Shiraz here highlights how many Iranian film directors concern themselves with the content of the religious and historical narratives of culture and society, sparking debate about the medium's compatibility or incongruity with religion and spirituality. She explores the various ways that Shi'i discourse emerges on screen, and offers groundbreaking insights into both the role of film in Iranian culture and society, and how it has become a medium for exploring what it means to be Iranian and Muslim after thirty years of Islamic rule. This is invaluable reading students and scholars of Film Studies and contemporary Iranian cinema, but also of the culture and identity of Iran more widely.

'Extraordinary. An intellectual feast as well as a visual one' Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes The world comes to us in colour. But colour lives as much in our imaginations as it does in our surroundings, as this scintillating book reveals. Each chapter immerses the reader in a single colour, drawing together stories from the histories of art and humanity to illuminate the meanings it has been given over the eras and around the globe. Showing how artists, scientists, writers, philosophers, explorers and inventors have both shaped and been shaped by these wonderfully myriad meanings, James Fox reveals how, through colour, we can better understand their cultures, as well as our own. Each colour offers a fresh perspective on a different epoch, and together they form a vivid, exhilarating history of the world. 'We have projected our hopes, anxieties and obsessions onto colour for thousands of years,' Fox writes. 'The history of colour, therefore, is also a history of humanity.'

Lucy Gladwell arrives in Mauritius from England to live with her aunt and uncle at their grand plantation house. Under the surface of this beautiful island paradise, poised between India and Africa, there is unease, and Lucy cannot help but feel discomfited by the restrictions she sees around her, and by the strangely attractive Don Lambodar, a young translator from Ceylon. It is 1825: the age of slavery is coming to its messy end, and word is lapping against the shores of the island of a charismatic new Indian leader who will shine the light of liberty. For Lucy, for Don, for everyone on the island, a devastating storm is coming...

A wistful exploration of fine art of coloring, this gorgeous book of illustrations offers sophisticated coloring projects that help you relax, restore, and reclaim your day. Amidst the pages of luscious designs, you’ll find fairies in dreamy landscapes and intricate, soothing patterns that will inspire beauty and tranquility. Each peaceful, romantic design comes printed on luxury paper. Find yourself lost in the whimsical patterns of Fairies in Dreamland and color some serenity into your world.