Islamic Arts (Art & Ideas)

by Sheila S. Blair and Jonathan M. Bloom

Book Overview

In the years following the revelations of the Prophet Muhammad in the early seventh century AD, the new religion of Islam spread rapidly through Arabia to North Africa and Spain in the west and Cental... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 071483176X
• Release Date: April 1997
• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.1" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful introduction

This is a basic introduction on a very large and complex history. Broken up chronologically and further by dynasty, the structure of this book lends a coherence that is very easy to understand. It is a wonderful way to gain a greater understanding of Islamic art and how its influences have shaped art history.

A Fine Survey

Blair and Bloom do a great job explaining classic Islamic arts. They give equal attention to architecture, calligraphy, weaving and decorative arts, and suplement their accessible yet intelligent text with attractive photographs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to begin learning about Islamic art, as well as to those who already know the basics.

Excellant coverage of the Islamic arts

The second book I read on Islamic Art. Was very impressed. It's very comprehensive and well organized. Starts coverage in chronological order (from the start of the Islamic empire) and covers Architecture, Calligraphy/Book art, Paintings, Ceramics and Textiles for every major Muslim Empire(Spain to India inclusive) from 560AD to the fall of the last great Muslim empire-the Ottomans in modern times. The pictures are great and complement the subject matter well.

A Fine Survey

Blair and Bloom do a great job explaining classic Islamic arts. They give equal attention to architecture, calligraphy, weaving and decorative arts, and suplement their accessible yet intelligent text with attractive photographs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to begin learning about Islamic art, as well as to those who already know the basics.