Handmade in India: A Geographic Encyclopedia of Indian Handicrafts

Handmade in India is a masterpiece of scholarship. As an artist I am constantly seeking high quality art reference books. This book surpassed all my expectations in terms of the breadth of coverage and depth of subject matter. Tackling the art and craft of an entire continent, much less a continent as diverse as India is an overwhelming task. These authors have not only given us a comprehensive look at the major handicrafts of India, but have organized this detailed information and imagery in a very concise and consistent manner. Organized by region, there are plenty of maps and diagrams on each page. The book begins with a chapter of instructions on how the text is organized and how to use the book. Picture examples of each major craft of that region surround the text. The authors even include a list of the tools used with their Indian names! I work in more than one art medium, textiles, clay, sculpture, so was thrilled when ALL of these were included on each page. Multiple techniques in clay, textiles, sculpture etc. are covered. I only wish the publishers would put out other books in this format about handicrafts in other countries. Rush to buy this book.

WOW, wow, wow!!! What a book! If there is just one book documenting India's many crafts you'll ever need this is the one. It is just massive and outstanding. I would personnally like to thank the authors for undertaking such a daunting task. I own more than 2 dozen books on the subject and this one sums them all up.Beware, you'll need sturdy shelves for this baby. It is a 600-page, nearly 5 kilo-newborn you'll end up living with. It is very well laid oud. After a short introduction the entries are organized by State (all are present, even the tiny "tribal" northeasternmost ones) and each craft, be it terracotta, embroidery or damascening, gets a chapter. It is extremely thorough. There are hundreds and hundreds of pictures, all colour and all good.What I really enjoy about the book is that it shows crafts and craftsmen as they are today. It doesn't have a museum feel at all and shows that crafts are still very much a part of everyday life in the Subcontinent.Bravo!

this is one special book for those interested in geographically mapping the crafts of india. i bought this book randomly before my first trip to india and i found it to be a great resource in helping me plan my trip around where i wanted to learn more about certain crafts. it is a visually mesmerizing book. i would highly recommend it to anyone interested in india or in beautiful, locally made handicrafts.

Outstanding reference book to crackdown all the crafts and artisans all over India. I did not know that such a reference existed and I am so pleased to find it. This is a gem of a book for anyone who travels and loves the textiles and jewelry of this country. It is also a great shopping tool.

Loved the book.. It is very helpful for decorating my house and coordinating with my trip to India. Never expected such a huge collection of handmade products in India. Every region is well classified. I wish there are some sellers listed in order to buy from them directly. The photos are very well captured. The book is quite heavy but its content is well documented. Would highly recommend!

A remarkable production and a joy to look at and review. Truely useful, especially in illuminating crafts that the average traveler or collector might not be aware of. Of course, no book at an affordable price can cover everything and all Indian enthusiasts will find some of their favorites missing. But, that having been said, there is simply nothing else that can even begin to compare with this remarkable compilation. Well organized, I might add.

Huge, with lots of pictures and detailed information about the crafts of many small regions. Perfect for identifying flea market finds or planning trips to see different craft traditions.

what a way to illustrate the simple and everyday beauty of that magical land with warmth and integrity!thank you for this