Author Description
This book covers in rich detail a period of Islamic history not accessible to most scholars of Islamic Art. It discusses the influences on the Muslims, which were brought to bear on the artifacts and architecture of Spain during the period of the Moorish Kingdoms in Spain. Shahid Suhrawardy writes not only of the political history but weaves in the social mores prevalent at the time. Along with detailed descriptions of ivories, laces and other objects found in the Islamic collections of many of the European museums of that time, he also gives a picture of the people, their aspirations, and constraints.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the intersection of political history, social mores, and artistic production within the Moorish Kingdoms of Spain. The late Shahid Suhrawardy utilizes his expertise to examine how external cultural influences shaped the material culture of the region. By synthesizing historical context with the analysis of specific artifacts, the author provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the aesthetic and social evolution of Islamic Spain.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of architectural developments during the Moorish period in Spain
- Detailed examination of decorative arts including ivories and textiles
- Integration of social history and cultural aspirations of the period
- Survey of Islamic artifacts housed in European museum collections
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and historians value this text for its specialized focus on a period of Islamic art history that remains under-documented in many Western academic circles. Readers frequently note that the prose balances technical descriptions of artifacts with broader historical narratives to provide a holistic view of the era.
Page Count:
350
Publication Date:
2005-05-26
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195797949
ISBN-13:
9780195797947
Architecture
History
Spain
Islamic Studies
Art History
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