Writing Signs: The Fatimid Public Text [Paperback]

Irene A. Bierman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0520208021 | ISBN-13: 978-0520208025 | Edition: 1

Irene Bierman explores the complex relationship between alphabet and language as well as the ways the two elements are socially defined by time and place. She focuses her exploration on the Eastern Mediterranean in the sixth through twelfth centuries, notably Cairo's Fatimid dynasty of 969-1171. Examining the inscriptions on Fatimid architecture and textiles, Bierman offers insight into all elements of that society, from religion to the economy, and the enormous changes the dynasty underwent during that period. Bierman addresses fundamental issues of what buildings mean, how inscriptions affect that meaning, and the role of written messages and the ceremonies into which they are incorporated in service of propagandist goals. Her method and conclusions provide a pioneering model for studying public writing in other societies and offer powerful evidence to show that writing is a highly charged and deeply embedded social practice.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Irene A. Bierman is Associate Professor of Art History at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Director of the University's Gustav E. von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (December 16, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520208021
• ISBN-13: 978-0520208025
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,147,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Interesting, March 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Writing Signs: The Fatimid Public Text (Paperback)

Anyone interested in Islamic art must read this book. And even if you are new to the subject, or are curious it is still very interesting. Bierman writes very clearly and provides many examples to support her arguments. Plus, most people are accustomed to figural art and knowing more about the beauty of non-figurative art is wonderful. The book has made me want to discover more about Islamic Art, especially from Cairo.