Calligraphy, the art that combines visual image and written word is perhaps at its most brilliant in the Islamic world. Islamic calligraphy takes its inspiration from the Muslim belief in the divine origin of Arabic writing. Its use in sacred and official texts has given rise to a calligraphic tradition that has flourished for over 1000 years, not only in manuscript decoration but in architecture, sculpture, ceramics and paintings. With chapters on the role of calligraphy in architecture and contemporary painting, this edition provides a comprehensive survey of the subject from its earliest origins to today. Examples of scripts, including kufic, thuluth, naskhi and maghribi, are shown in a series of photographs which reproduce manuscript pages, paintings and other works of art.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
A revised and expanded version of the 1976 edition, this scholarly study displays several hundred spectacular examples of an art form that is underappreciated in the West. Independent scholars living in Morocco, the authors begin by providing a conceptual and historical background to the meaning and origins of Islamic calligraphy. They then explicate the aesthetics, techniques, styles, and structure of the art. New chapters on the use of calligraphy in architecture and contemporary painting (featuring artists Hoosier Zenderoudi, Rashid Koraishi, and Shakir Hassan) enrich the coverage of the subject. The text, which contains information of unquestionable value, is marred only by the turgidly academic writing. Still, this is recommended for public libraries for its illustrations and highly recommended for academic libraries with an interest in the arts.?Eugene C. Burt, Art Inst. of Seattle Lib.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
A visually stunning study of Islamic calligraphy...these great illustrations will set a designer's heart on fire. -- Interior Design
Highly ornamental and beautiful imagery, and perhaps the most distinctive of all scripts. -- Bloomsbury Review
Spectacular examples of an art form that is underappreciated in the West. -- Booklist
Highly ornamental and beautiful imagery, and perhaps the most distinctive of all scripts. -- Bloomsbury Review
Spectacular examples of an art form that is underappreciated in the West. -- Booklist
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
a beautiful book...,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy (Hardcover)
This is a beautifully presented book on Islamic Calligraphy. While providing background material and being informative, it also has many and varied examples presented in color. I did not know what to expect when I ordered it, but as soon as I opened it I was bowled over. This is a must for anyone who appreciates Islamic art, or for anyone who would like to learn more of the history behind it.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An informative look at Islamic Calligraphy,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy (Hardcover)
This is an informative look at the development of Arabic Calligraphy through the ages and also at the leading figures engaged in its progress throughout the centuries. It has a detailed chronological format for those wishing to us it as a research aid. All round value, especially the calligraphic family tree on the back cover.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
GOOD ORIENTATION TO ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY,
By
This review is from: The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy (Paperback)
Overall a good intro to Islamic Calligraphy. More pictorial examples of Quranic manuscripts would have improved the contents relativity. Purchased it through Amazon's own bookstore - poor packaging - item arrived damaged considerably.
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