Arts & Crafts of the Islamic Lands: Principles Materials Practice Hardcover – September 23, 2013

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

This book has very detailed diagrams of design principles.

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