This is the first in a set of four volumes by Grabar (historical studies, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, and Islamic art and architecture, Harvard U.), the eminence grise of Islamic
art and architectural history in the U.S. Twenty of his essays on Islamic art during the period of the Umayyad and Fatimid dynasties are included. They were previously published from 1960 and
2001 and center on historical, cultural, and religious themes in Egypt, Spain, and the Middle East. Some specific topics are Byzantium, iconoclasm, iconography, the Qur'an, palaces, imperial
and urban art, sources and influences, and detailed case studies of objects and architecture. Six of the articles are in French. Special care was taken in producing this volume, which is
printed on glossy paper and includes b&w plates of excellent quality. Annotation 穢2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
