Islamic Art and Spirituality

by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Book Overview

Seyyed Hossein Nasr is currently University Professor of Islamic Studies at George Washington University. Born in Tehran and educated at MIT and Harvard, he was previously professor of the history of science and philosophy at Tehran University and first president of the Iranian Academy of Philosophy. He has taught throughout America, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, Japan, and Australia. He is the author of over twenty books in English...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0887061753
• ISBN13: 9780887061752
• Release Date: February 1987
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.7" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A study of art as it is understood in the Islamic world

Little is discussed regarding 'Islamic art' its meaning and message other than in the works of this author, F Schuon and Titus Burckhard. There are plenty of books regarding the tools that were used, the colours and shapes but little on what actually motivated those who designed the great Mosques in Iran, Turkey and other parts of the world, who composed works of literature and works of art. This book goes some way to answer those questions it also includes an exellent study of Rumi based on some traditional sources that are little known in the West. It should be pointed out regarding Rumi that the vast majority of literature published concerning him is not based on original sources but simply re-writes of Nicholson, Arberry or Iqbal. Apart from Nicholsons notes to the Mathnawi wich is based upon the commentary of Ankaravi I am not aware of any available translation of a comentarty of the Mathnawi (something that is badly needed) Profesor Nasr goes some way in this book to explain the true meaning of Rumi and another great Persian poet and Sufi Farid ud-Din Attar. There is also an exellent chapter on music, the concept of space in Islamic art and the concept and understanding of painting and minitures in Islamic art (a form of art that has been misunderstood in recent years)

An excellent selection and introduction to the subject

Professor Nasr's work on Islamic subjects is generally characterised not merely by its academic and still hospitable style but further by an indepth understanding and experience of spirituality as such in its most universal and applicable sense. In the book "Islamic art and Spirituality" he cover the highlight themes of traditional art, architecture, calligraphy, poetry, prose literature, esoterism, piety, etc, as it developed in Islamic lands. Of special interest is the chapter on the Persian poet Jalal al-Din Rumi. I warmly recommend the present work to students of religious studies as well as religios seekers from all traditions.