Mesopotamia, Syria and Transjordan in the Archibald Creswell Photograph Collection of the Biblioteca Berenson

Keppel Archibald Cameron Creswell (1879-1974) developed an early interest in Islamic architecture and used photography to record architectural artefacts. This volume deals with photographs of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Jordan taken between 1919 and 1930, which are now held at the Biblioteca Berenson, Villa I Tatti, Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence. The collection is an exceptional resource for the study of ancient monuments, especially for conservation and restoration projects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Keppel Archibald Cameron Creswell, a renowned architect and scholar, developed a deep fascination with Islamic architecture during his military service in Egypt in 1916. His extensive research in this field led to numerous publications that remain essential resources for scholars today. Creswell recognized the significance of photography in capturing architectural artifacts, and this particular volume focuses on his photographs of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Jordan, housed at the Biblioteca Berenson, Villa I Tatti, Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence. These photographs, spanning from 1919 to 1930, provide a valuable glimpse into the architectural heritage of these regions. While many of the sites and monuments captured by Creswell stand tall today, it is important to note that many others have either vanished or undergone significant modifications over time.

To enhance the accessibility and usefulness of the Creswell photo collection, the author has meticulously geolocated all the photographed monuments using Google My Maps. This innovative approach allows scholars and enthusiasts to explore the locations of these ancient structures with ease, facilitating further research and conservation efforts.

In conclusion, the Creswell photo collection stands as a remarkable resource for the study of ancient monuments. Its extensive collection of photographs, coupled with precise geolocations, offers invaluable insights into the architectural heritage of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Jordan. By making these images accessible to a wider audience, the collection contributes to the preservation and restoration of these cultural treasures for generations to come.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 290 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274553