Built between 1632 and 1643 by the Mughal Emperor Shah jahan in honour of his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is unquestionably the most renowned mausoleum in the world. Now this legendary monument to love can be seen as never seen before. On the pages of this beautifully illustrated volume, the Taj Mahal is revealed in minute detail. Starting inside the mausoleum, a sequence of close-ups shows the semiprecious stones inlaid in white marble that form the Qur'anic calligraphy and floral patterns. Further images present the octagonal plan of the structure, emphasising both its perfect symmetry and its subtle variations. The final sequence is devoted to the decorative patterns carved in the walls of the mosque and entrance gate. Quotations from the Qur'an and from the journals of travellers such as Jean-Baptists Tavernier, Pierre Loti, and Aldous Huxley complete a breathtaking tribute. Amina Okada, curator of the Musee National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet in Paris, is the author of numerous books and articles on Mughal India. Dr M C joshi is director of the Archeological Survey of India in New Delhi.Before his death in 1992, photographer Jean-Louis Nou captured the beauty of India in many books including The Art of India.

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