Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Islamic Arts , a comprehensive survey covering a thousand years, highlights those characteristics that connect the various arts of the Islamic lands without minimizing the differences. The book is divided into three time periods - 600-900, 900-1500 and 1500-1800 - and each section analyses architecture, the arts of the book, decorative and applied arts. Islamic Arts brilliantly captures the essence of Islamic culture.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

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. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

This is the best introductory book to Islamic art that is currently available in the US. Used by this reviewer as the major text in an undergraduate course on Islamic art, it was found by most students to be easily accessible and "user-friendly": clearly written and free of jargon, soundly structured, informative, lavishly illustrated (most of the objects shown are in US collections), and enjoyable. The maps help in locating the mentioned historical sites and the architectural monuments; the brief but useful glossary defines the terms; and the "key dates" assist reference to contemporary major events in the Western world. The bibliographic section, which includes annotated references to important works in the field, is effective in directing the interested student to further reading. This well-rounded book will acquaint the average American undergraduate with one of the most important coexistent cultures, knowledge of which should become part of his or her education and intellectual formation. General; undergraduate. U. U. Bates CUNY Hunter College

Booklist Review

London-based art publisher Phaidon is known for exceptionally well-produced books, and now, in its new Art & Ideas series, commentary achieves the same level of excellence. Art & Ideas strives for readability and a holistic approach. In Islamic Arts, for instance, religious and political history are woven into fluid commentary on architecture, mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, textiles, and decorative arts. Bloom and Blair, a husband-wife team, describe every aspect of the art and architecture they examine, from technical innovations to the identities and inspiration of artists and artisans, and the evolution of certain styles and aesthetics. Lowden is similarly comprehensive and illuminating in Early Christian & Byzantine Art, working deftly through fascinatingly complex and epoch-defining artistic and theological debates, including the so-called Iconoclast Controversy. Both volumes explicate an enormous amount of material with eloquence and enthusiasm, and offer superb colorplates on almost every page. The list of forthcoming volumes in the series includes books on Dali, neoclassicism, and conceptual art. --Donna Seaman

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Jonathan Bloom and Sheila Blair are among the world's leading experts in their field. A husband-and-wife team of scholars, they hold the Calderwood University Professorship in Islamic and Asian Art at Boston College. They are joint authors of The Art and Architecture of Islam: 1250-1800 .