Includes bibliographical references (pages 628-658) and index.

Arabic script: its role and principles -- Materials -- II: The development of Arabic script in early Islamic times -- The standardization of Arabic script -- Early manuscripts of the Koran -- III: The pre-eminence of round scripts in the early middle period -- The adoption of round scripts -- the proliferation of round scripts -- IV: The emergence of regional styles in the later middle period -- Calligraphy in Iran and its environs under the Mongols and Turkomans -- Rectilinear and curvilinear scripts in Egypt and Syria under the Mamluks -- Other styles and centers -- V: Dynastic styles in the age of empires -- The Safavids, the Qajars, and their contemporaries in Iran and Central Asia -- The Ottomans in Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean -- Other styles and centers -- VI: The many faces of Islamic calligraphy in modern times -- From traditional styles to graphic design and calligraphic art.

"This book is an important contribution to a key area of non-western art, being the first reference work on the art of beautiful writing in Arabic script." "The extensive use of writing is a hallmark of Islamic civilization. Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, became one of the main methods of artistic expression from the seventh century to the present in almost all regions from the far Maghrib, or Islamic West, to India and beyond. Arabic script was adopted for other languages from Persian and Turkish to Kanembu and Malay. Sheila Blair's groundbreaking book explains this art form to modern readers and shows them how to identify, understand and appreciate its varied styles and modes. The book is designed to offer a standardized terminology for identifying and describing various styles of Islamic calligraphy and to help Westerners appreciate why calligraphy has long been so important in Islamic civilization." "The argument is enhanced by the inclusion of more than 150 colour illustrations, as well as over 100 black-and-white details that highlight the salient features of the individual scripts and hands. Examples are chosen from dated or datable examples with secure provenance, for the problem of forgeries and copies (both medieval and modern) is rampant. The illustrations are accompanied by detailed analyses telling the reader what to look for in determining both style and quality of script."--Jacket.