Customer comments on this selection.
 An Excellent Introductory Survey
TREASURES OF ISLAM: ARTISTIC GLORIES OF THE MUSLIM WORLD is indeed "a wealth of glorious" photographs: Of the 166, most of which I've not seen elsewhere, 75 are at least a full page each. While there is no Search-Inside feature to allow you to sample them, another book in the series, Treasures of the Andes, does have one. And what you can see there is equal to what awaits you in this book, albeit there are no photographs of landscapes in "T. of Islam." Likewise comparable is the well-written, non-academic prose of the texts.
Had this book been available when I was just beginning to study the subject, I would have bought it without hesitation, for I've not found another book that provides such an easy-to-digest, "excellent introduction" to the artistry the religion inspired over the centuries. And what Publishers Weekly describes as the book's "cursory history of Islam's empires and dynasties" is perfect for the neophyte, who is unlikely to want to drown in historical detail. As for those who have read in-depth histories-- I, for one, so appreciated the excellent summary that this book gave me of all I've read that I've finally succumbed to temptation and bought my own copy.
To better help you determine if this is a book you wish to purchase, I have detailed the Table of Contents in the first "comment" on this review. But lest it is less than obvious, be aware that while all Islamic arts are covered, the glories of the architecture are featured, as can be evidenced by the fact that almost half the book's photographs are devoted to them. (There are 22 one-to-two-page shots of entire structures, 16 full-page ones of architectural details, and 43 of structures and details that are often a half-page in size.)
NOTE: If you are especially interested in Islamic architecture, I'd highly recommend Splendors of Islam: Architecture, Decoration and Design and The Mosque: History, Architectural Development & Regional Diversity.
 Treasures of Islam
Recently purchased this book, the beautifully artistic and detailed turquoise cover is what I noticed first. But mostly, Islam just fascinates me and I love learning about each glorious aspect of it. This book is quite big, and the pages and pictures are glossy and beautiful, capturing each detail of Islamic art. It's not only photos though. In fact, there is more writing, which chronicles the history of Islam's artistic glories. I would recommend this book for any major Islam/History/Art/or Architecture buff.
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