As the spiritual center of the world`s three monotheistic religions, Jerusalem is a crossroads of art, architecture, and history. The sanctified sites of the city, its fascinating personages, and its breathtaking landscapes have captivated the imagination of artists over the centuries -- but, as in every culture, the images that have resulted speak more of the values and beliefs of their creators than of the actual course of events. Jerusalem: Stone and Spirit offers a truly unique view of the Holy City in a blend of compelling history and sumptuous visuals. Images collected from all over the world -- many previously unpublished -- show maps based on the Bible and historical events; lithographs, including a romanticized view of the Dome of the Rock; the earliest Biblical quotation found, inscribed on a silver plaque; illuminated manuscripts showing Mohammad`s ascension into heaven and the Crusaders` siege of Jerusalem; coins stamped with an early image of the menorah or a portrait of the Emperor Hadrian; and mosaics, reliefs, letters, and paintings. These fascinating artifacts -- the soul of Jerusalem past and present -- narrate the religious, social, political, and artistic history of the city.
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