Islamic Art and Visual Culture: An Anthology of Sources

Islamic Art and Visual Culture is a collection of primary sources in translation that serve as evidence for visual and cultural history. These essential translations are taken from sources as diverse as the Qur'an, court chronicles, letters, technical treatises on calligraphy and painting, imperial memoirs, endowment deeds, legal judgments, foreign travel accounts, and city management manuals. Clear and concise explanatory essays situate each text and explain the circumstances in which it was written -- the date, place, author, and political conditions -- and each object, building, and site is described. The perfect tool for teachers and students of art and visual culture, this powerful and varied collection provides a vivid window into Islamic visual culture and society.