Jerusalem, Palestine and Jordan is based on Hisham Khatib's unique collection of art and printed works, covering the 400-year period of Ottoman rule in the region.
A core of the material is its paintings - mainly nineteenth century watercolours, with many by renowned artists such as Edward Lear, Carl Werner, and Carl Haag. Their work concentrated on realistic portrayals of the region (in particular Jerusalem) rather than basking in romantic 'Orientalism'.
Images from illustrated plate books are of especial interest. These include rare works by Charles van de Velde, Sir David Wilkie, Louis de Forbin, Francois Paris, Honore d'Albert due de Luynes, Leon de Laborde and David Roberts.
The focus of these plate books was the large-scale engravings, lithographs, and etchings which illustrated them. The section on travel books - also frequently illustrated - includes works by Bernardino Amico, John Lewis Burckhardt, Adrian Reland, and Baedecker's Travel Guides.
Some of the oldest materials discussed and illustrated here - from the earliest days of Ottoman rule in the region - are the maps and landscapes, many of them by such well-known names as Abraham Ortelius and Bernhard von Breydenbach. From the later end of the Ottoman period, this volume also records some of the earliest surveys and atlases of the region, as well as original photographs.
These extraordinarily diverse perspectives on the history and society of the Holy Land, as recorded in the writings, paintings, maps, and photography of Western travellers and observers, make this an invaluable reference, not only for specialists and students of Middle Eastern history, but also for collectors and general readers.
About the Author
Hisham Khatib was born in Acre, Palestine, spending bis youth and early career in Jerusalem, where he was tbe city's chief electrical engineer.
He has lived in Amman, Jordan, since the early 1970s, serving as a Minister in the Jordanian government for many years. One of tbe world's leading energy experts and Honorary Vice Chairman of the World Energy Council, Dr Khatib has also published widely on energy matters and the global environment. He was awarded the prestigious Global Energy Award in 2007.
Alongside bis professional activities, Dr Khatib collects paintings, lithographs, travel books, maps, atlases, and photographs on Jerusalem, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt and Arabia generally. His rich and varied collection is one of the largest still in private bands.
Available now. Buy your copy direct from the publishers and receive 20% discount from the cover price of £35.00, plus p&p.
Read the Jordan Times review here.
Sample spreads from Jerusalem, Palestine & Jordan:
