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The Metropolitan Museum of Art - How to Read
How to Read Islamic Calligraphy
An accessible introduction to the quintessential art form of the Islamic world
How to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur’an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan’s court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today.
Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
How to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur’an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan’s court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today.
Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
156 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 18, 2020
A very beautiful and inspiring book on Arabic calligraphy. I think this book is the most outstanding collection and explanation of examples of Arabic calligraphy, although it may have been even more voluminous. كتاب جميل وغني
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2019
A very good introduction to the art of Islamic calligraphy, with gorgeous illustrations and clear explanations. I don’t think I actually learned how to read calligraphy, but it was good to learn that it’s not always meant to be legible and sometimes not meant to be read at all, which might explain the time I’ve spent peering at bowls in the MFA completely stumped as to what they might say. Also although I can read Arabic script I don’t know a lot of words so I’m really a beginner anyway. Still really enjoyed this and am amazed at the artistry of Islamic calligraphers.
December 20, 2022
Basically “The Metropolitan Museum of Art” display catalog.
However, this book is much more. It is all that the title promises as far as,” How to read Islamic Calligraphy”, with displays of the actual items the calligraphy is written on; the descriptions and how-to translations are more than superficial.
This comes well organized. Partial contents:
Forward
Acknowledgments
Map of the Islamic World
Note to the reader
Introduction
The Arabic Script
Embellishing the Word of God
Ornament and Abstraction
Sources
Bibliography
Glossary
Empires and Dynasties
There are plenty of color pictures. The one advantage of looking at the objects in person is 3D and a closer look; it is too bad that the book did not take the time to magnify some of the items.
If I had seen the book I would still purchase it.
However, this book is much more. It is all that the title promises as far as,” How to read Islamic Calligraphy”, with displays of the actual items the calligraphy is written on; the descriptions and how-to translations are more than superficial.
This comes well organized. Partial contents:
Forward
Acknowledgments
Map of the Islamic World
Note to the reader
Introduction
The Arabic Script
Embellishing the Word of God
Ornament and Abstraction
Sources
Bibliography
Glossary
Empires and Dynasties
There are plenty of color pictures. The one advantage of looking at the objects in person is 3D and a closer look; it is too bad that the book did not take the time to magnify some of the items.
If I had seen the book I would still purchase it.
March 15, 2022
A wonderful collection of objects, although the title is misleading. This publication is perfect for an audience of those unfamiliar with the Arabic script and its calligraphic styles, who don't necessarily need to be able to read or write Arabic to find the book worthwile. Those looking to become familiarised with the different scripts and how to read them would need to look elsewhere.
November 9, 2020
A great introduction, but with little description of the difference between calligraphic styles and no footnotes or specifications for further reading aside from the large and undifferentiated bibliography. The photos are all amazing, too.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews