Islamic Art and Architecture (The World of Art) (Paperback)

by Robert Hillenbrand (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Covering one thousand years of history and an area stretching from the Atlantic to the borders of India and China, Robert Hillenbrand incorporates all the latest discoveries and interpretations in this authoritative guide to the arts of Islam. From the supreme confidence of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem to the scores of exquisite buildings of Ottoman Istanbul; from the extraordinary virtuosity of Persian painting in the fifteenth century to the vivid ceramic tradition of Ottoman Iznik--Hillenbrand does justice to both the highlights and the ongoing evolution of the full range of Islamic arts. Supported by a glossary of Islamic terms, a time line, and maps, this book traces the architecture, calligraphy, book illumination, painting, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork of a vastly accomplished and influential civilization.

About the Author
Robert Hillenbrand, Professor of Islamic Art at Edinburgh University, is an acknowledged world expert on Islamic art and architecture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500203059
• ISBN-13: 978-0500203057
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #400,884 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > History & Periods > Islamic Architecture
  #88 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > International > European

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Indepth Introduction, July 30, 2001

By	Fozia Zaidi "zaidif786" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

As a beginner to the world of Islamic Art and architecture, I recently completed reading this book and found it a good introduction. It covers the development and major themes in architecture, ceramics, figure painting and calligraphy (textiles to a smaller extent) of Ummayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Saljuq, Atabegs, Mamluks, Islamic Spain and Morrocco, Ilkhanids/Timurids, Safavids and the Ottomans.

Islamic art and architecture of the Indian Subcontinent (eg Dehli Sultanate or Mughal India) is not covered at all in this book.

It has a good sampling of pictures in colour of especially major architectural monuments. I think the strength of this book is especially strong as an introduction to Islamic architecture. Its coverage of the other areas is not bad either.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Divine, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

This book has an unbilievable combination of detail, broad coverage of various topics, ability to keep attention concentrated due to a great way the book is written. Illustrations were both artistically beautiful and helpful in understanding the topics covered. I am in love with this book and, after library reading it, I am ordering it today!!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, May 12, 2007

By	R. Kardos "gadgitor" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bought this book for my daughters Art class. It had all the information she needed. As alway amazon delivered quickly, with no delays.