Palace and Mosque
Islamic Art from the Middle East
by Tim Stanley

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With all the bad news emanating from the Middle East, we sometimes forget that it was the cradle of human civilisation. More particularly, Islam is now reviled in some quarters but this religion inspired and produced some of the world's greatest art whose power and sophistication can still move us today.

This new book, Palace and Mosque - Islamic Art from the Middle East, perfectly illustrates this in the multiplicity of colour pictures throughout the book.

It takes an interesting and informed look at the subject and covers the many facets of Islamic art including silver and brass, textiles and carpets, ivories and ceramics as well as painting and calligraphy. The author also discusses such issues as images in art, usually forbidden under Islamic law, the impact patrons had on the art they commissioned, and the role of poetry. Much of the information and discussion is amplified and enhanced by in-depth essays on archaelological finds and particular pieces of art and artefacts.

The book has been published to coincide with a new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) whose collection of Islamic art is one of the most important worldwide. As the author, Tim Stanley, is the Senior Curator of the Middle Eastern collections at the V&A, he is ideally placed to write this book. He has also written Lacquer of the Islamic Lands and The Decorated Word.

Whether or not you visit the V&A's exhibition, anybody with an interest in Islamic art will find the book fascinating and informative.

Quick Facts

Title: Palace and Mosque - Islamic Art from the Middle East

Authors: Tim Stanley

Publisher: V&A Publications

ISBN: 1851774300

Binding: Hardback

Publication Date: September 2004

Price: £30

All information relates to the UK edition.

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