Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Middle East (Hardcover)

~ Tim Stanley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The arts of Islam, a great and ancient culture, are presented here in all their astonishing richness and diversity. From the Middle East came the earliest astrological clocks, the finest ceramics and lusterware, the development of calligraphy and Arabic scripts, and the intricate craft of carpet-weaving, among many other profoundly significant cultural developments. This cradle of empires was also a vibrant commercial center, exporting raw materials, skills, and techniques to surrounding lands and spreading its web of influence from southern Spain to northern India.

This beautifully illustrated book provides a fascinating introduction to Islamic art and culture, drawing from the world-famous collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It accompanies an exhibition touring to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. AUTHOR BIO: Tim Stanley, a curator in the Asian department at the V&A, has written extensively on Islamic art and culture.

About the Author

Tim Stanley, a curator in the Asian department at the V&A, has written extensively on Islamic art and culture.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum (August 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810965623
• ISBN-13: 978-0810965621
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #948,362 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Opportunity to View the Art of Islam, December 14, 2005

By	Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Tim Stanley is one of the world's authorities on Islamic art and his depth of knowledge enhances this visually stunning book. Created as a catalogue to accompany a traveling exhibition by the same name that visited the United States in 2004, the myriad works included in this fascinating volume are from the Victoria and Albert Museum, perhaps the finest collection of artifacts and art from the Middle East.

Though many readers will be familiar with the mosques and minarets decorated with the complex geometric designs that have graced art and culture books for years, of greater interest are the 'unknown aspects' of Islamic art. Here are reproduction photographs of astrological clocks, objects of art in ceramics and lusterware, wondrous carpets and the variations of the patterns and designs so important to art history, as well as pages of calligraphy and Arabic scripts.

In a time when controversy shrouds appreciation of Islamic culture, this book becomes even more important in broadening our knowledge and appreciation of a culture and world of art too little known to us. Recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Palace and Mosque, September 28, 2004

By	a. anonymous "anon" (USA) - See all my reviews

Magnificent Islamic art from the Victoria and Albert Museum is currently on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The exhibition, "Palace and Mosque," is a spiritual experience of stunningly beautiful art-- worth a return trip to see again. The book accompanying the exhibition-- with its delicious array of high-resolution, photographic reproductions-- reveals the full splendor of Islamic art as it offers a perpetual feast for the eye.