Ananda K. Coomaraswamy

Ananda Coomaraswamy (1877-1947) was a pioneering scholar in the fields of Indian art, culture, and religion, as well as an expert on the comparative study of world religions. A prolific author who was familiar with 36 languages, he was praised for his "brilliant insight" by Joseph Campbell and was described by Heinrich Zimmer as that "noble scholar upon whose shoulders we are still standing." This anthology contains excerpts from his articles, letters, and speeches arranged thematically and richly illustrated with historical photographs.

Yaksas, Part 1-2 is a book written by Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. The book is a two-part series that explores the ancient Indian concept of yaksas, which are supernatural beings that are believed to inhabit the natural world. Part 1 of the book provides a detailed analysis of the yaksas in Indian art and literature, while Part 2 focuses on the philosophical and religious aspects of the yaksas. The book delves into the history and significance of the yaksas in Indian culture, as well as their role in Hindu mythology and Buddhism. It also examines the symbolism and iconography associated with the yaksas in Indian art, including their depictions in sculpture, painting, and other forms of visual art. Overall, Yaksas, Part 1-2 provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this fascinating aspect of Indian culture and mythology. Part 1, With Twenty-Three Plates; Part 2, With Fifty Plates. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Mediaeval Sinhalese Art is a book written by Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, which explores the art and culture of the Sinhalese people during the medieval period in Sri Lanka. The book covers a wide range of topics, including sculpture, architecture, painting, and other forms of artistic expression. It provides an in-depth analysis of the various influences that shaped Sinhalese art, including Indian, Southeast Asian, and European influences. Coomaraswamy also examines the religious and cultural significance of Sinhalese art, exploring the role it played in the lives of the people who created and appreciated it. Throughout the book, the author provides detailed descriptions and analysis of specific artworks, as well as broader discussions of the historical and cultural context in which they were created. Mediaeval Sinhalese Art is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of one of the world's most fascinating and unique artistic traditions. Being A Monograph On Mediaeval Sinhalese Art And Crafts, Mainly As Surviving In The Eighteenth Century, With An Account Of The Structure Of Society And The Status Of The Craftsmen. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

On The One And Only Transmigrant is a scholarly journal article written by Ananda K. Coomaraswamy and published in the American Oriental Society's Journal in April-June 1944. The article explores the concept of the transmigration of the soul in Hindu philosophy, drawing on ancient texts and traditions. Coomaraswamy examines the idea that the soul is eternal and migrates from one body to another after death, and how this belief has influenced Hindu culture and religion. The article also touches on related concepts such as karma and reincarnation, and how they relate to the transmigration of the soul. Overall, the article provides a detailed and insightful exploration of a central idea in Hindu philosophy and spirituality. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

NINE ESSAYS ABOUT ORIENTAL AND CHRISTIAN ART, DISCUSSING MANY FACETS OF ART, INCLUDING AESTHETICS, SYMBOLISM, &C.

First published in 1943, this outstanding book represents in many ways the most complete achievement of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy (1877-1947), one of the main modern representatives of the Hindu tradition. Displaying an unequaled mastery of Sanskrit, Pali, Greek, Latin, and medieval German and Italian sources, Coomaraswamy shows that "the Indian tradition is one of the forms of the Philosophia Perennis, and as such, embodies those universal truths to which no one people or age can make exclusive claim." The present edition (Golden Elixir Press, 2011) does not contain errors found in other recent editions of this masterful work. The entire text has been carefully checked word by word against the original English edition - including terms and passages in Sanskrit, Greek, and other languages - and endnotes have been changed to footnotes. In addition, the present edition is the only one that includes all the additions and changes that the Author contributed, shortly before his death, to the French translation of his work.

FIGURES OF SPEECH OR FIGURES OF THOUGHT? is perhaps Ananda K. Coomaraswamy's most important work on the philosophy of art. Here he is concerned primarily with traditional works of art and the intimate relationship between style, technique and meaning. These essays move easily between the boundaries of religions, cultures, historical periods and artistic thought in demonstrating that this rich diversity stills shares an underlying unity: the sacred. This new revised edition of a classic work includes additional notes made by Coomaraswamy to his earlier additions, a foreword by editor William Wroth and an introduction by noted Coomaraswamy scholar, Roger Lipsey. Another aid to readers is that here, for the first time, all passages in foreign languages in the original edition have been translated in this new edition.