Based upon the life and work of the Lecrin Valley ascetic Ya’far al-Qunchi (14th century) according to information collected by Yusuf I’s vizier Ibn al-Khatib, this story explores the ideas on art and courtly architecture that were being debated when some of the most important buildings of the Alhambra were under construction in Nasrid Granada and examines the morality of monumental architecture according to the precepts of classical Islam pitting these symbols of royalty and societal unification against those who consider them to simply represent a desire for luxury and domination.  Dual language text - Spanish and Arabic.  Illustrated.  Includes a Bibliography.  Paperback.  166 pages.  New condition.  Cat No 3946