Islamic Art and Architecture : From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal

From the frontiers of Iran to the heart of India, architects, landscape gardeners, calligraphers, miniaturists and weavers have made their mark on the Islamic tradition. Turquoise marble cupolas; arches adorned with flowers and arabesques; motionless basins reflecting the slender minarets in the form of glittering stalactites; scintillating enamels of floral bouquets - all of these components are an integral part of the luxury, refinement and spirituality that can be defined as 'Persian style'. Islamic Art and Architecture explores and celebrates the cities of Islam, from Tabriz and Yazd to Kerman to Khiva, from Lahore to Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. Henri Stierlin offers a key to an intimate understanding of this immense heritage in a thorough text closely allied to crisp, full-colour illustrations.