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Audiobooks > History >  Asia > Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire
Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire Audiobook, by Diana Preston Play Audiobook Sample

Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire Audiobook

By: Diana Preston, Michael Preston
Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire Audiobook, by Diana Preston Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: James Adams Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.00 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: January 2006 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781481581905
4.33 out of 54.33 out of 54.33 out of 54.33 out of 54.33 out of 5 (4.33) - 18 listener ratings
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Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

19

Longest Chapter Length:

46:27 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

18:09 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

31:36 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

5

Other Audiobooks Written by Diana Preston: > View All...

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Paradise in Chains: The Bounty Mutiny and the Founding of Australia Audiobook, by Diana Preston
Eight Days at Yalta: How Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin Shaped the Post-War World Audiobook, by Diana Preston
The Evolution of Charles Darwin: The Epic Voyage of the Beagle That Forever Changed Our View of Life on Earth Audiobook, by Diana Preston

Publisher Description

While Galileo was suffering under house arrest at the hands of Pope Urban VIII, the Thirty Years War was ruining Europe, and the Pilgrims were struggling to survive in the New World, work began on what would become one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal. Built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, its flawless symmetry and gleaming presence have for centuries dazzled all who have seen it.

The story of its creation is a fascinating blend of cultural and architectural heritage. Yet, as Diana and Michael Preston vividly convey in the first narrative history of the Taj Mahal, it also reflects the magnificent history of the Moghul Empire, beginning with legendary warriors Genghis Khan and Tamburlaine.

Download and start listening now!

"Great book. I went in unsure about whether I would like this or not, and almost quit a couple times, but I'm glad I endured. It gives an interesting human context for the building of the Taj Mahal, and the lifestyles of the Mongul emporers that ruled in India at the time. "

— Darrell (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Taj Mahal makes an argument for the commingling of love and architecture…A Shakespearean world of intrigue and betrayal, in which punishment was swift and brutal, and fratricide was commonplace.”

    — Newsweek

  • “Shah Jahan endeavored to make the gardens of the Taj Mahal an earthly paradise. His life and the history of the region prove that paradise is more easily lost than regained.”

    — San Diego Union-Tribune

  • “Taj Mahal chronicles the blood, sweat, emotions, expenditure, and history behind the construction of the world’s most famous mausoleum. Filled with quotes, anecdotes and evocative prose, this true tale has, at times, the texture of a historical novel.”

    — Seattle Times

  • “This small history breaks through the legendary façade to reveal a powerful backstory.”

    — Publishers Weekly

  • “James Adams’ clear, straightforward narration is perfectly suited to this history of one of the world’s most beloved architectural landmarks…[He] captures the emotions and wonder of those dazzled by a visit. Adams’ reading is smooth and inspiring, especially as he delivers quotes and anecdotes.”

    — AudioFile

  • “The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, has been beautifully exalted in the hands of the Prestons…They skillfully unveil the history of the sixteenth-nineteenth–century Mogul Empire, especially its architecture, campaigns, and court life…A reliable source for readers wanting to understand the splendor of the Taj Mahal in historical context.”

    — Library Journal

  • “Enriching in its historical sweep and context.”

    — Kirkus Reviews

Taj Mahal Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 5 (4.25)
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Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Not strictly speaking just a book about the Taj, but an excellent overview of the Moghuls as well. "

    — Thenicole, 9/9/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was a fun, breezy look into a very dangerous and opulent time. So well written! I love when history makes you question the need to read fiction. "

    — Sumaiya, 8/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Wonderfully interesting, a history about which I knew nothing. "

    — Laurie, 12/23/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A very descriptive historical account of the events and generations of people involved leading to the construction of the Taj Mahal. The book is written as a smoothly flowing story that succeeds in transporting the reader to that time and place in the history of India. "

    — Priyangi, 12/22/2008
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " so great if you have any interest at all in the history of the Taj Mahal. Honestly I learned so much about world history, the authors took time to put the history of this area in context with history in Europe and even the beginning of the USA. I learned a lot "

    — Charity, 4/15/2008
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great history of the Taj Mahal. Makes me want to go see it again, as this time I would appreciate it in a different way. "

    — Alisa, 3/4/2008
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I simply adored this book and this was one of the best books I've read in a while. As I was reading I envisioned the surroundings and the characters involved. This was a history book that read beautifully and I didn't feel like I was reading a dry text-book. "

    — Jennifer, 12/26/2007
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good history of India at the time and the building of this monument. "

    — Larry, 11/17/2007

About the Authors

Diana Preston is an Oxford-trained historian who lives in London. Her book Before the Fallout won the 2006 Los Angeles Times Book Award for science and technology. 

James Adams is one of the world’s leading authorities on terrorism and intelligence, and for more than twenty-five years he has specialized in national security. He is also the author of fourteen bestselling books on warfare, with a particular emphasis on covert warfare. A former managing editor of the London Sunday Times and CEO of United Press International, he trained as a journalist in England, where he graduated first in the country. Now living in Southern Oregon, he has narrated numerous audiobooks and earned an AudioFile Earphones Award and two coveted Audie Award for best narration.

About James Adams

James Adams is one of the world’s leading authorities on terrorism and intelligence, and for more than twenty-five years he has specialized in national security. He is also the author of fourteen bestselling books on warfare, with a particular emphasis on covert warfare. A former managing editor of the London Sunday Times and CEO of United Press International, he trained as a journalist in England, where he graduated first in the country. Now living in Southern Oregon, he has narrated numerous audiobooks and earned an AudioFile Earphones Award and two coveted Audie Award for best narration.