'This must be the best book ever written about Islamic Calligraphy. Its author has carefully judged it to meet the demands not only of anyone interested in Arabic writing, but also of specialists...a work of profound erudition and insight.'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.This book includes over 150 colour illustrations and 100 black and white details highlight the salient features of individual scripts and hands. Illustrations are accompanied by detailed analyses telling the reader what to look for in determining both style and quality of script. Examples are chosen from dated or datable examples with secure provenance. It is an ideal reference for anyone interested in Islamic art.