Islamic Art and Architecture: From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal (Hardcover)

by Henri Stierlin (Author, Photographer), Anne Stierlin (Author, Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Art historian Henri Stierlin explores a dazzling 1,000-year-old decorative tradition in Islamic Art and Architecture: From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal. The gorgeous art book opens with several two-page full-color spreads of the mosque at Isfahan, Iran, noted for its brilliant tiles and elaborate domes. Stierlin argues that "Persian style" reigned in Islamic art from the 10th century to the late 18th and that its influence spread beyond Iran as far as India and Uzbekistan. The book boasts more than 500 color illustrations of mosques, palaces, tombs and minarets, as well as close-ups of details such as decorative stucco, calligraphy, arch designs and tile mosaics.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Islamic Art and Architecture takes a less academic approach, examining a massive span of Islamic art and history with a consistently well written text and stunning photographs, reproductions, and floor plans. The art of the building, from the elaborately tiled walls of mosques and tombs to the famed Persian arches, gets the most attention here. Fascinating explications, including a myth-debunking history of the Taj Mahal's construction, accompany the artwork. The book doesn't quite deliver on the grandiose promise of its title, but by focusing on the classical modes of Islamic art and architecture, architectural historian Stierlin provides an engrossing introduction to the diverse artistry of the Islamic world. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500511004
• ISBN-13: 978-0500511008
• Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 9.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #893,826 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtakingly beautiful!, August 3, 2003

By	Anthony Thompson (Big Lake, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author (Mr. Stierlin) is designated as an "art historian". That is true, but far from complete. Judging from this book, he is also an outstanding photographer. Many books of this type are sabotaged by mediocre photography; not this one! If you have an interest in beautiful architecture beyond the shores of America, you should get this book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Islamic Art and Architecture: From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal, July 22, 2005

By	W. Richard Oakes Jr. (Los Angeles, CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book portrays Islamic architecture through the ages and throughout the Muslim world in a manner that portrays both it's beauty and the similar features that transcend geography and time. It is particularly enlightening to Westerners who have little exposure to history, the non-Western world, or Islam.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Photographic Journey of Islamic Art and Architecture, December 24, 2002

A Kid's Review

A great book for someone searching for some kind of beauty,this book will touch your heart.So sit back and relax and enjoy your journey.