gems, Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Serendib, art, philosophy, religion

A three-volume selection of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy’s writings, edited by Roger Lipsey, bringing together representative works from the major areas of his scholarship and thought. Vol. 1, Traditional Art and Symbolism, examines the principles, meanings, and functions of traditional art, particularly Indian art, emphasizing its inseparable relationship with religion, mythology, symbolism, craftsmanship, and traditional society. Vol. 2, Metaphysics, presents Coomaraswamy’s mature writings on comparative religion and metaphysics, drawing upon Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Platonic, and other traditional sources to explore the underlying unity of traditional doctrines. Vol. 3, His Life and Work, provides biographical and critical studies of Coomaraswamy and an extensive bibliography of his writings. Together the volumes provide a broad introduction to Coomaraswamy’s development from geologist and historian of Indian art to a major interpreter of traditional art, symbolism, religion, and metaphysics.