Arabic Script: Review
The book is beautiful to the eye. It has many pages of Arabic Script Art to review and has an interesting introduction that in my opinion was worth reading. The quality of the material used to make the paperback book I purchased was superior. This is a plus as I will use it for reference the many Arabic Scripts.
The buyer should beware that this book will not teach a novice to the Arabic language, the Arabic script in its many variations. The book also transliterates many of the Arabic Scripts when referencing the art (or non-standard Arabic script). In my opinion it would have been helpful to have the Arabic Script in one of the many modern standard type faces for more advance Arabic students.
You may also want to know that it has comments on each letter. Whether the comment is linguistic, historic, religious, or superstitious I felt it lacked the depth as to why the reader should even consider the comment. Finally, I would like to point out that in many instances when I saw beautiful calligraphic art it lacked explanation. In other words, if you are like me and are not an advance Arabic Script graphic designer you may not appreciate some of the art works because you may not have the ability to decipher the script.
I agree with the books statement on the rear cover when it says a book for linguist, graphic designers, and collectors of Islamic art. However, I disagree with the statement that it is for those who wish to become familiar with the rudiments of the alphabet. This book is not for the beginner unless he / she only wishes to look at the beauty of the letters, words, and art.
Damond
Source book for beginners
This small work is an excellent introduction to Arabic calligraphy, especially for beginners. It contains numerous, but not comprehensive, illustrations of many styles and periods. Highly recommended for general information or for someone considering 'taking up' Arabic calligraphy.
Just buy it ! (if you like Arabic)
This is a really beautiful and informative book, a true collectable. Wish I had a first edition. If you love Annemarie Schimmel's books, you MUST buy this. It would be a great present for anyone interested in Arabic, and I haven't seen it in any of the Arabic bookstores.
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