- Hardback - Number of Pages: 128 pages
- Dimensions: 236 x 302 x 24mm - 1,179.33g
- Publication date: 01 Sep 1996
- Publisher: ASSOULINE
- Publication City/Country: Paris, France
- Language: English
All religious faiths differ over doctrine, which is a creation of the human intellect, but display remarkable similarities when it comes to the practical expression of faith. Given that basic human nature is a universal constant, this shouldn't surprise us, and yet it is impossible not to be amazed by the striking parallels presented in Laziz Hamani's stunning photographs for the five volumes of Symbols of Religions. We might expect to find sacred texts treated with awe and reverence, and to be finely written and decorated, but the parallels are still unexpected. The stark, simple beauty of Hebrew script is perfectly matched by that of Tibetan texts, while the exquisite calligraphy of Arabic and Persian Qur'ans counterpoints illuminated Gospels of the western Church. With religious buildings, sacred art and the material trappings of religious worship the parallels are even more obvious. Thus the purpose, the beliefs and the setting may be different, but the feel of the Papal mass at Tome and the assembly of monks in a Tibetan monastery is identical. And the rhythm of everyday ritual seems the same throughout: Tibetan Buddhists and Catholics both use the Rosary, neither form differing much from Islamic prayer beads or the knotted tassels, the Tzizith of the Jewish prayer shawl. But for all the similarities, each volume in the series stays true to itself: there is no attempt at an artificial syncretism, and the beliefs and practices of each faith are set out clearly, concisely and accurately. One volume, however, is markedly different. Symbols of Freemasonry displays the richness of the pictorial symbols of this ritual system par excellence, but quite properly emphasizes that Freemasonry is not a religion. Even so, it does express the deep-seated human need for ritual and symbol and well deserves its place in this excellent series. (Kirkus UK)