Taj Mahal

Starred review from November 15, 2008
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* The ongoing Wonders of the World series hits a high point with this dramatic retelling of the construction of the Taj Mahal. Mann begins with two pages of prose that relay the commonly told legend, but then proceeds to explode that legend with descriptive writing, colorful illustrations, ancient paintings, maps, and photographs. Some readers may hesitate over the density of the first few pages, but the information is quickly broken up by portraits introducing the major playersmost notably Shah Jahan, the Mughal leader who combines his adoration of opulence and his grief over the death of his beloved, Mumtaz Mahal, to create one of the most recognizable structures in history. Startling details abound: Shah Jahans founding of an entire city to house all the necessary nobles, the irrigation systemkeeping flood waters from Mumtaz Mahals tomb, and the shocking decapitation that brings about the next ruler. The photos of priceless relics bring the story alive, and young readers will love the fold-out Taj Mahal diagram, which resembles a game board. Shah Jahans excesses helped bring about the demise of the Mughal Empire, and this insightful bookwill bring readerscloser to understanding the meaning of what has been left behind.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2009
Gr 5-8-This installment in the series begins with a two-page retelling of the love story between Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her death, the emperor wanted to create a monument to their enduring love and left the world the iconic building that also became a symbol of the period of Mughal reign in India. The blueprints followed the classic Persian "charbagh" design of quadrilateral garden squares divided by walkways, but Shah Jahan's architectural choices also incorporated Central Asian and Indian influences. Over several pages, the author explains the practical challenges that builders had to overcome during the long construction process, such as protecting the complex from the annual monsoon swelling of the nearby Yamuna River. A double foldout gives an impressive aerial view of the entire complex. Captioned photographs of artifacts and original paintings enhance the well-written text. Beautiful full-page illustrations in the detailed style of Mughal miniature paintings depict scenes of the construction process. A list of important historical dates and dimensions of the building are included. A beautiful book that highlights a stunning accomplishment in architecture."Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School, New Delhi, India"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2008
The story of the Taj Mahal is widely known and many believe it to be a romantic tale: A 17th-century ruler of India, Shah Jahan, builds a monument and tomb for his beloved wife, whom he loses during the birth of their 14th child. But this exquisitely illustrated historical account takes the reader back hundreds of years before Shah Jahan to describe the rise of the wealthy and opulent Mughal dynasty and then to the brutal reign of Shah Jahan. He lived a contradictory life, killing three of his brothers to ensure his place on the throne, yet honored his dead wife (many rulers had multiple wives) by building a wonder of the world. The book also describes the painstaking creation of the Taj and includes a fold-out diagram, a glossary and timeline. Witschonke's intricate illustrations capture the opulence and beauty of the art of the period and seamlessly blend with actual archival images. The text is a bit dry and not particularly child-friendly, but certainly thorough. (Nonfiction. 9 & up)

(COPYRIGHT (2008) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

January 1, 2009
Shah Jahan, fifth emperor of India's Mughal dynasty, built the Taj Mahal as a setting for his wife's tomb. An extraordinary architectural phantasmagoria of bejeweled ornament and symmetrical gardens, it expressed the emperor's idea of an earthly paradise. In this book, vibrant illustrations and art reproductions illustrate the Taj's magnificence while clear text tells its story. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)