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The Afarstar
Online Store is pleased to be able to offer you some books
imported directly from Iran. These books are not widely
available in the U.S. or even in Europe, and we are able to
offer them at a better price. Reviews are included with
the books and Afarstar will gladly ship them worldwide.
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Book
Title:
Riding in
Splendour: Horse and Camel
Trappings from Tribal Iran, by Parviz Tanavoli, Farhangsara Publications, Tehran, Iran, 1998
(about
150 pp., 196 illustrations)
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Review:
At long last, a book on those odd
bags and little strips of weaving known only to rug dealers and obsessive
collectors. Mr. Tanavoli is kind enough to present a discussion on
trappings related to horses, donkeys and mules, and another on camels. He
extensively covers the many pieces of equipment and weavings related to the use
of these animals in daily life by the nomads of Iran. In my first flip
through, I recognized several of those: "Hmm, it's something, but I have no
idea what," type objects. I even discovered that I own some of
them. This book brings light into a previously dark room, and not only
explains the basics in a clear manner, but also shows the variations within
individual tribes. He makes it fun to finally be able to identify all of
those baubles and tassels which you bought because you thought they were
cool.
***** Five stars and a note of thanks to the author for
writing such a book from Afarstar!
Afarstar
Price: $75 plus shipping |
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Book
Title:
The Sofreh of Kamo, Farhangsara
Publications, by Parviz Tanavoli, Tehran, Iran, 1998 (66 pp., 44 pages of
illustrations)
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Review:
This lovely little book was published after the author
wrote about sofreh in Bread and Salt. He thought he had exhausted
the subject, when to his dismay he discovered another type of sofreh. (Oh,
to one day be so unlucky!) Out of a desire to include these fresh sofreh, he
penned this small book which is more like an article on the subject. In
this book he again defines sofreh, and then includes lavish photos of the new
collection. The exciting thing about reading this book is you might
discover you already own one of these!***** Five stars from Afarstar!
Afarstar Price: $40 plus shipping
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Book
Title:
The Tacheh of Chahar Mahal,
by Parviz Tanavoli, Farhangsara Publications, Tehran, Iran, 1998 (about 99 pp., 45 pages
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Review:
This little book is similar to the one described above
it. Mr. Tanavoli, the author, found some obscure tribal weavings and
devoted several pictures and an article to them. The result is an
enjoyable book about a lesser known topic and more insight into this specific
tribal lifestyle.
***** Five stars from Afarstar!
Afarstar
Price: $40 plus shipping
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Book
Title:
Rustic
and Tribal Weaves from Varamin by Mr. Parviz Tanavoli, Yassavoli
Publications, Tehran, Iran, 2001 (111 pp., 81
plates of Varamin textiles, 4 pictures of Varamin,
and a map).
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Review:
This book is the latest in a series of
publications currently being produced in Iran and virtually unavailable in the
U.S. and Europe. In it, the author describes his interest in Varamin
weavings and his research into their origins. He then goes on to describe
the fascinating melting pot of the area surrounding Varamin and the
contributions of the Shahsavans, Lors, Kurds, and Arabs who settled there and
produced fabulous textiles. In the book, he discusses many different types
of tribal weavings, including sofreh (flour and dining cloths), khorjin (saddle
bags), mafrash (bedding bags), kilim or gelim, rugs, namak don (salt bags), and
horse blankets. Also, he describes the origins of the tribes and gives a
little of their history and reasons leading them to settle in Varamin.
For those who collect tribal weavings, this
book is an absolute must. It is another fine contribution from Mr.
Tanavoli and sheds light on the mystery that has surrounded Varamin weavings for
decades. The article is fascinating, and the pictures are also well worth
it, especially as a means to identify other similar pieces. Another cool
thing about this book is that, like Bread and Salt, it is half in English
and half in Farsi. The book is new and in its original wrapper.
***** Five stars and a note of thanks to the author for
finally clarifying the mysteries of Varamin!
Afarstar
Price: $50 plus shipping |
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Book
Title:
Beyond Fear by Joel P. Kramer |
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Review:
Yes, he is
related. He ain't heavy, he's my brother. He crossed the island
of New Guinea in 1992 without using any motors in an inflatable sea kayak
and lived to tell about it. The writing of the book was equally
harrowing, and it's well worth reading. It's a very true story and you
won't be able to put it down.
It's available from most book sellers, including
Walmart, but I'm
selling signed copies. If you want a special message written in yours,
just email me!
*****Five stars from Afarstar!
Available on
amazon.com! |
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