Throughout their long history the craft traditions of the Islamic world
evolved a multitude of styles applied to a great variety of media but
always with unifying factors that make them instantly recognizable.
Harmony is central. There are two key aspects to the visual structure of
Islamic design, calligraphy using Arabic script-one of the world's great
calligraphic traditions-and abstract ornamentation using a varied but
remarkably integrated visual language. This art of pure ornament
revolves around two central themes; crystalline geometric patterns, the
harmonic and symmetrical subdivision of the plane giving rise to
intricately interwoven designs that speak of infinity and the
omnipresent center; and idealized plant form, spiraling tendrils,
leaves, buds and flowers embodying organic life and rhythm.
1. WIDE APPEAL: Anyone interested in science, mathematics,
design, architecture, and the natural world.
2. AUTHORITATIVE: A compelling blend of scholarship and visual
presentation, packs an enormous amount of information into a short
space.
3. BEAUTIFUL PACKAGE: A bargain at $10.00. Winner of First Prize
for Nonfiction at the New York Book Show
4. SERIES PURPOSE: All are aimed at bringing ancient wisdom
forward into the 21st century.
5. INSPIRING: The perfect entrée into a challenging topic; will
inspire other reading.
