New Distributed Titles Fall 2009 - Oxbow Books

Delights from the Garden of Eden
A Cookbook and History of the Iraqi Cuisine
Second Edition
by Nawal Nasrallah
Delights from the Garden of Eden is the revised edition of the 2003 publication
by the author. It is a unique Iraqi cookbook that displays the diversity of
the region’s traditional culinary practices, delicious and enduring. It contains
more than 400 recipes, all tested and easy to follow, covering all food categories
with ample choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers, and many that
will satisfy a sweet tooth. Light healthy touches are suggested throughout,
and ingredients and cooking techniques indigenous to the region are duly explained.
Preceding the recipes is a comprehensive, thoroughly researched introductory chapter that traces the genesis
and development of the Iraqi cuisine over the centuries, starting with the ancient Mesopotamians, through medieval
times and leading to the present, aided throughout by the author’s native, intimate knowledge of cookery. Research
on the ancient Sumerian and Akkadian cuisine draws extensively on archaeological findings, such as the Babylonian
recipe collection, and literary sources. The medieval era focuses on the Abbasid cuisine as exemplified by the luxurious
culinary culture that encouraged the trend of writing cookbooks. Of particular interest are the book’s numerous foodrelated
folkloric stories, reminiscences, anecdotes, songs, poems, excerpts from narratives written by foreign visitors
to the region, and cultural explications of customs, all interwoven with the recipes. The book is supplemented with
detailed menus and a glossary to help the reader create authentic Iraqi meals. A valuable addition to the shelves of
specialized and general libraries, and a must for food lovers everywhere.
584p, 300 b/w & col illus, hardback, 9781845534578, $50.00, Equinox Publishing, October 2009.
The Ismailis
An Illustrated History
by Farhad Daftary
and Zulfikar Hirji
The Ismailis are a geographically, linguistically
and ethnically diverse Shi’a Muslim
community – the second largest in the
world. Scattered in more than twenty
countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and North
America, they are currently led by their
49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. In
four chapters, this volume traces their history, within the wider context of Islamic
history and the world in general, over the better part of fourteen hundred years.
Each chapter is fully illustrated and accompanied by relevant maps and diagrams.
The book has more than 300 illustrations, consisting of images from illustrated
manuscripts, artifacts, architecture, community documents, as well as important
historical and contemporary photographs of members of the Ismaili community
and the varied geographical contexts in which they live. A chronology of key
events, a glossary of important terms, and a bibliography are also provided.
264p, over 300 col & b/w illus, hardback, 9781898592266, $70.00,
Azimuth Editions, November 2008.
the middle east
Shah ‘Abbas
The Remaking of Iran
by Sheila R Canby
Shah ‘Abbas I was one of Iran’s most influential
leaders. Combining his ruthless
ambition with a desire for stability, he
left a far-reaching mark on the society
and artistic heritage of Iran, renovating
the country’s spectacular shrines and
transforming its trading relations with
the rest of the world. This richly illustrated
book brings together an amazing array of treasures that were given to Iran’s shrines
during Shah ‘Abbas’ reign. It traces the story of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1722), a
period of dynamic religious and political development in Iran. Art and architecture
flourished and achieved new heights of beauty and brilliance with the creation of
the magnificent shrines at Ardabil, Mashhad and Qum. During this so-called Golden
Age of Persian art, Shah ‘Abbas renovated these shrines and donated to them priceless
works of art including sumptuous carpets, silks, porcelain and albums, many of
which are illustrated here in glorious detail.
280p, 240 col illus, British Museum Press, September 2009.
Paperback, 9780714124520, $45.00; hardback, 9780714124568, $75.00
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