The art of Islam

The volume examines the varieties of art and architectural forms in almost all the countries and areas that comprise Islam. Some of these forms, such as domed spaces, minbars, mirhabs, and madrassas, have rarely been compared throughout various Islamic cultures. Following an examination of major elements of Islamic architecture, chosen arbitrarily, the authors examine masterpieces of Islamic art by geographic areas and then by "great empires." These masterpieces are also arbitrarily chosen, as is necessary in a volume that aspires to achieve so much. But as a result, few works are covered meaningfully or in any depth. Thus, Sub-Sahara Africa is treated in four pages while the Timurid, Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires get 20 pages. The text does not explain the architecture and art and how they relate to Islam. Still, the quality of the photographs is excellent, and the book is useful in giving a feeling of the beauty and diversity that comprise Islamic art. There is a very helpful historic chart, a good map, and a useful index. Appropriate for large art collections.- Martin Chasin, Adult Inst., Bridgeport, Ct.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.