Author Description

The demanding discipline of calligraphy, centering on the power of the written word and transmitted from master to pupil through the ages, is central to Islamic cultures and is the source of one of the world's richest artistic traditions. The 174 examples of the art published in this volume represent its scope and its continuity over a period of six centuries. They include works by many of the most celebrated calligraphers, beginning with the influential Yaqut in the late 13th century, and by such distinguished amateurs as the Ottoman sultans, Abd lmecid I and Mahmud II. This is the most comprehensive study yet made of the subject, examining many fundamental aspects of a calligrapher's activity for the first time. The author discusses the artists' training and the key elements of the calligraphic repertoire, including albums of sample works, stencils and miniature script, cut-out work and gilded leaves. To complement the text, examples of all of the principal types of historical script have been provided by an eminent modern calligrapher.