In this magnificent, lavishly illustrated book, renowned art historian B. N. Goswamy opens readers' eyes to the wonders of Indian painting, and shows them new ways of seeing art. An illuminating introductory essay, `A Layered World', explains the themes and emotions that inspired famous painters, the values and influences that shaped their work, and the unique ways in which they depicted Time and Space. It describes, too, the different regional styles, the relationship between patrons and painters, the tools and techniques the painters used and the milieu in which they created their works. The second part of this book, `Close Encounters with 101 Works', presents paintings carefully selected by Professor Goswamy, spanning nearly a thousand years and ranging from Jain manuscripts and Rajasthani, Mughal, Pahari and Deccani miniatures, to Company School paintings. His description and analysis of these works unlock the treasures that lie within them and show us how to `read' each painting as he pours out its finest features, explains its visual vocabulary and symbolism, and recounts the story, legend or event that inspired it. Combining deep scholarship with great storytelling, this is a book of enduring value that will both educate and delight the reader.

All of us know some poetry, something about religion, and a little bit even about art. This book aims at bringing these things together. Here, poetry is used to bring the reader, especially the young reader, close to art, and to enable him/her to recognize some important images. In India, we have some wonderful paintings and sculptures that contain both meaning and delight; unfortunately, we do not often explore this world. There are also icons - images of gods and goddesses - which we see but understand only imperfectly. This little book enters these different but related worlds in