Harem: The World Behind the Veil

New York: Abbeville Press, 1991. Cloth, 224 pages, illustrations (some colour); 26 cm. Firm binding, clean inside copy. Spine rolled at the crown. Age toning. Dust jacket with light edgewear. Orientalism in Western culture. "'I was born in an old house.that was once the harem of a pasha. During my childhood slaves and odalisques lived there with us.' So begins the history of one of the strangest institutions any culture has ever developed. Drawing on first-hand accounts and memoirs, Harem explores life in the world's harems from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. This exotic volume is richly illustrated with extravagant works by European artists and exquisite Turkish woodcuts, gem-like Persian miniatures, and historic photographs. / Born in Turkey, Alev Lytle Croutier is a screenwriter and documentary producer." - Publisher.. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. 4to.