Arabic Script: Styles, Variants, and Calligraphic Adaptations

This richly illustrated volume on Arabic calligraphy is truly a feast for the eyes. The book begins with a brief introduction on the evolution of the Arabic script from its pre-Islamic origins to its blossoming into the many calligraphic forms we see today. Examples of the script throughout its development are provided, from early Nabatean scripts to modern attempts at introducing capital letters. Particularly interesting is the letter from the prophet Muhammad to Mundar ibn Saui (the script used by Muhammad is a bit different than contemporary Arabic script). In the next section, each letter is individually given at least a two-page discourse on various calligraphic forms, the symbology associated with the letter, its current use, how the letter relates to the Qur'an, and pronunciation of the letter (e.g. the Arabic letter 'shin' is used as an abbreviation for path and to Sufi mystics 'shin' symbolizes personal destiny). The final section shows examples of texts, manuscripts, and other sources depicting the wide range of calligraphic styles. Examples include excerpts from Qur'ans, from medieval-era scientific treatises, from talismans, and from other sources dating from antiquity to the present. The glossary at the end of the book, though too brief, is quite helpful.This book is more about the artistry that is inherent in the Arabic script rather than on teaching the reader how to write Arabic letters - and you don't need to know Arabic to fully appreciate the artistry. Khan's work will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in Islamic art, culture, or the Arabic language.

I bought a book as a present to my friend who was very advanced hobbyist, he loved it. Probably it is good.

180 pages in this book in which you see an overall idea of the History of Arabic calligraphy and many examples of various calligraphy art. Every letter has 2 pages showing the various ways it's written but doesn't really teach you how to write it. The art alone is really fascinating.

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

I have always considered Arabic to be beautifully written, and am enjoying learning the craft. I doubt I can ever master the language, but I am determined to master the Calligraphy for art pieces. This book is guiding me.

This book is well thought out. Extremely informative. It has lots and lots of pictures. The best part is for those of us who are trying to teach ourselves Arabic Calligraphy, and are somewhat limited in reading Arabic. The author gives full details on the calligraphy along with dates, english translation, etc. There is no guess work, the author assumes you don't have any Arabic so, if you don't have an arabic teacher, this is the book. Informative, easy to read and full, full of detailed information, the author was very generous with pictures.I know you will enjoy it.Definitely a good buy.

Very varied and interesting compilation of different Arabic scripts. A work of art as well aswork of knowledge.

This is gonna be a good guide for me for calligraphy practice. I will use the book for styles and see.

This book is for all those who appreciate the artistic side of the arabic script either they know the arabic or not. Very insightful for the calligraphers and a source of unknown historic information for all of us who don't speak or write arabic.

Sehr schönes Buch mit vielen Beispielen.Als Muslim finde ich es ungünstig, dass auch Beispiele darin sind von Sekten, die sich als Muslime bezeichnen, aber den Islam nicht korrekt praktizieren oder ihn entstellen.Wenn man aber Vollständigkeit möchte, muss man das auch in Kauf nehmen, da das Buch an alle Leserkreise gerichtet ist, die sich mit arabischer Kalligraphie beschäftigen. Dennoch Kaufempfehlung, gerade auch an alle Muslime, denn die sollten die arabische Schreibweise lieben, allein schon deshalb, weil der Quran auf Arabisch ist. Der Quran hat die perfekte arabische Rechtschreibung, die noch bis heute gültig ist.

All the varieties of script from a Master Calligrapher in an easy to read format.