"Will revive the wanderlust, even of those who have "been everywhere, seen everything"."—New York Times Book Review
"This is a wonderful new contribution, it reflects current scholarship in a easy to read way and demystifies Islamic art."—Catherine Asher, Department of Art History, University of Minnesota
"Islamic Arts is a visual as well as an intellectual treat, a successful collaboration of the best contemporary authors and the best contemporary design."—Walter B Denny, Department of Art History, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
On the Art & Ideas series
"Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing."—Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London
"The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods... I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools."—Joachim Pissarro, Yale University
"Phaidon's series may prove to be the pick of the crop. It boasts expert but undogmatic texts and a wealth of illustrations."—The Sunday Telegraph
This beautifully illustrated volume examines various aspects of Islamic art, some of which are rarely discussed. Under "The Rise of Islam," Bloom and Blair (coauthors of The Art and Architecture of Islam, 1250-1800, LJ 1/95) write about the important Umayyad and Abbasid buildings, weaving, and "pots, pans, and pitchers." They recognize the overwhelming importance of calligraphy in Islamic art and devote a chapter to it in each of the major sections, which are organized historically. The major centers and local dynasties are also covered, albeit sometimes briefly. In a book that attempts coverage of a long period of time and a wide geographic area, it is delightful to find in-depth discussions of important issues and some refreshingly original insights. The maps, dynastic charts, and key-dates section will be important aids to the nonspecialist. Clearly written to carry the reader along at a fast pace, this volume is one of the best and most comprehensive books on the subject. Highly recommended.Martin Chasin, Adult Inst. Bridgeport, Ct.
Survey's Islamic art in its myriad cultural and regional variation during the first twelve centuries after the revelations of The Prophet. Without minimizing the differences, focuses on the temporal and geographical continuity of certain characteristics. Considers buildings, books, and applied arts. Highly illustrated, mostly with color photographs but also with maps and building plans. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
