My Name is Red
My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk, published by Everyman in 2010, is a historical fiction novel that delves into the complexities of art and culture during the Ottoman Empire. Spanning 483 pages, the narrative centers around a commissioned book meant to celebrate the Sultan’s realm, where artists are tasked with illuminating it in a European style. This secretive project leads to tension and intrigue when one miniaturist goes missing, prompting suspicion among the remaining artists, each driven by their own motivations.
Readers will find a rich exploration of the conflict between different artistic traditions and the cultural implications of their practices. The story unfolds against a backdrop of rivalry, pride, and faith, as the surviving artists grapple with the mystery of their colleague’s disappearance. This edition also features a chronology of Islamic and Western art history, providing essential context for the narrative, alongside an introduction by the author that sheds light on his creative process and inspirations.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Ottoman Sultan has commissioned the best artists in the land to create a book celebrating the glories of his realm: but he wants them to illuminate it in the European style. Because figurative art is deemed by many to be an affront to Islam, the project must be kept secret. Panic and scandal erupt when one of the chosen miniaturists disappears, along with a crucial page of the manuscript. The surviving artists – bitter rivals variously motivated by pride, greed, jealousy, faith and love – are all under suspicion of murder, and the only clue to the mystery lies in the half-finished illustrations themselves. My Name is Red reveals the clash between two views of artistic meaning and the chasm between two world civilizations. In this special edition the author includes a chronology of Islamic and Western art history to provide valuable context for his story, and has contributed a fascinating introduction throwing light on his methods, his aims and his inspiration
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