This opulent volume of works from illustrated and illuminated manuscripts culled from important public and private collections offers a thorough introduction to the wonders of Islamic art. A renowned scholar of Islamic art, history and culture, Oleg Grabar introduces a wide range of illuminated manuscript masterpieces from the eighth to the seventeenth century. The heroes of grand epics such as Alexander the Great are found side-by-side with mythical monarchs, sultans and monsters. Illuminated manuscripts of the Koran, epic poetry and scientific works from the Magreb, Syrian, Persian, Mogul and Ottoman Empires await discovery. The book opens with an essay which contextualises the works?the originals of which reside in the Louvre, French National Library, National Library of Cairo, British Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art and the collections of the Aga Khan and Khalili families. Following this is a selection of one hundred full-colour illustrations accompanied by the author's insightful commentary. Including examples of some of the world's most beautiful artistic expression, this collection of carefully chosen works not only illustrates an important period in art history but also serves as a monument to the achievements of Islamic culture. AUTHOR Oleg Grabar is a leading world authority on Islamic Art. He has taught Islamic art and architecture at the University of Michigan, Harvard, and most recently Princeton University's Institute for Advanced Studies. ILLUSTRATIONS 200 colour illustrations
