Choice Review

Blier's work examines the conceptual wealth of African architecture among the Batammaliba (literally "the real architects") of Northern Togo and Benin, on two complementary levels: ontological and metaphorical. The Batammaliba house form is simultaneously a stage for the drama of death and everyday living; a sacred residence for deceased elders; an expression of power; and a reflection of community, family, and human identity--aspects that may be incongruous or even antipathetic. Like the architectural "text" this study translates, the language of Blier's book is a rich, cogent version of African aesthetics. The approach is so coherent and the arguments so compelling that one is left to wonder about the applicability of the work as a model for the study of other less comprehensive contexts. Based on extensive field research, Blier's study moves beyond the early work of Prussin and others, and stands as a major theoretical contribution to African studies. Substantially illustrated and referenced, the study sets a high standard for subsequent contributions. Highly recommended for college and university libraries. -C. L. Goucher, Portland State University