East of the Moon

Tracing a crescent from Cairo to Khiva, art historian and archaeologist Karen Polinger Foster takes us on four unforgettable journeys East of the Moon ? to Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and Central Asia ? exploring commonalities and differences in thought and belief, art and architecture, language and literature, tradition and innovation. As her travel experiences unfolded, overarching themes emerged, often from serendipitous inspiration and encounters. From these she has fashioned a beguiling kaleidoscope of photo essays which tessellate into a compelling whole. With a remarkable gift for the telling detail and a photographic eye at once incisive and discreet, Foster's elegant text and stunning images invite us to a place which, in her words, 'exists in the atlas of the mind, at the intersection of image and imagination'. AUTHOR: A specialist in the art and archaeology of the Ancient Near East and Bronze Age Aegean, Karen Polinger Foster taught for many years in the Departments of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and History of Art at Yale University. While she has published numerous books and articles in her scholarly field, East of the Moon is her first photo essay venture. SELLING POINTS: . A unique blend of travel writing, cultural history and photography from an acclaimed art historian and archaeologist . Four journeys spanning Cairo, Ethiopia, Persia and Central Asia, each revealing rich traditions of art, religion and daily life . Includes over 200 photographs capturing architecture, landscapes, markets and intimate portraits . Written with the eye of a scholar and the sensitivity of a traveller, combining accessible prose with striking images . Explores major world heritage sites such as Lalibela, Isfahan and Samarkand alongside lesser-known local scenes . Appeals to readers interested in travel, photography, art history, archaeology, and cultural studies