Arts and Crafts of the Islamic Lands (Paperback) /anglais

Arts and Crafts of Islamic Lands is a beautiful coffee table book intended to showcase the Islamic arts, the Prince's School of Traditional Arts, and the high quality of the School's excellent teachers. In addition to being a beautiful book, it also contains much substantial information that is well worth studying by artists who wish to develop a better technical understanding of how traditional Islamic artists designed and create their work. A third of the book is taken up with a monograph by Paul Marchant and Jonathan Horning on the geometry that underlies Islamic art.I found Adam Williamson's contribution on Islimi (arabesques) to be particularly helpful, and I wish that section had been longer than it was. Williamson wrote a very systematic and clear presentation of the subject, which was a model of helpfulness. Also, unlike the contributions by many of the other teachers to this book, he avoided any hint of pitching Islam to the Unbelievers.In many of the essays that constitute this book, Islamic art is presented in the context of the (so called) Perennial Philosophy. I have the impression that Perennial Philosophy, in its Islamic version, is the official doctrine that underlies the thinking and teaching at Prince's School of Traditional Arts. Therefore, those who study there should be prepared, and should expect that from its teachers. Expect it also in many of this book's key essays. Some readers may like that about the book, but I do not.Taken all around, it is a beautiful book on a great subject, and I am grateful that we have it.

Wow!!!! love it!!!! ....soooo beautiful...so educational and informative!!!! As an artist, I would like to try and experiment on Islamic geometric designs...and some of the techniques in the book. I have been to Morocco last year and now I'm so enamored with their art and crafts.

This is one of the coolest books out there in my opinion.

Excellent technical information even if you never attempt the projects. True living history and an important resource to preserve and pass on the ancient knowledge. The sense of accomplishment in making one's own brush or piece of art is worth much more than the price of the book.

Beautiful pictures and guidance on how to execute the arts & crafts. The book was received in excellent condition and in the time frame expected.

Absolutely fantastic book. Full of superb artwork and excellent information on history and technique. For those of us who always wanted to study at the PSTA but couldn't afford to live in London for a year... Highly recommended.

This book has very detailed diagrams of design principles.

Beautiful book of high quality with awesome photos and lots of useful info

I have several books on Islamic and Persian art, but none which describe the underlying geometry. This book clearly shows how to construct grids and has many gorgeous examples of art. It has been written as a practical textbook and definitely lives up to it.I discovered the book as a recommended reading in an online course I am currently taking. The sheer scale of information makes this a must have for anyone interested in this art form.

the book arrived in a very bad condition

Amazed with the services- whether it's delivery of the book, condition of the book, safety of the book by packaging and in other normal concerns of every customers, was good and satisfactory......The book delivered was brand new, in absolute never flipped condition......Very happy with overall presentation.....Thanks to Thames and Hudson...and double thanks to Amazon.....

It’s an amazing book to learn more about geometry and the origins of Islamic art. Lots of illustrations and stop by step too.

When I first found this books, I was mostly interested in learning about geometric designs and patterns as seen in the different Islamic cultures. In reality, however, it offers information on so much more than simple (it is anything but) geometry and math. The authors, whose individual competences and knowledge of art complement each other, provide wonderful insight on the topics of principles (geometry, islimi/arabesque, calligraphy), usage of materials and tools, and methods and techniques (plaster carving, mosaic, etc.) In general, the book is incredibly inclusive and thorough in terms of explanations of the theory and methods behind the various arts and crafts of the Islamic lands. The concepts are well-explained and, as a result, the book is suitable for anyone from enthusiasts with a wish to learn new skills to professional artists who would like to reinforce their knowledge in the subject matter.