Welcome back, folks! So, I’m breaking my blog silence with a long overdue post about some of my top artsy ‘coffee table’ books – which, by the way, are not just pretty covers but also serve as insightful companions on your artistic journey.

Arts & Crafts of the Islamic Lands

Of course, I’m about to tell you how much of a visual feast each of these books are – but please bear with me, it’s for good reason! Written by tutors at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (PSTA), Arts & Crafts of the Islamic Lands is not only full of beautiful art visuals and photography, but also enriches the reader with deeper insights into specific art forms and provides uncommon practical knowledge of each. This book is an absolute treasure, and is a must-have if you’re truly interested in this topic.

Arts & Crafts of the Islamic Lands is available here on Amazon*.

Visions of Splendour in Islamic Art and Culture

I’m still really pleased with this purchase which I discovered in a small second-hand bookstore in Notting Hill, after burying through depths of random literature. And the price on the back? £3.50. Joy.

That aside, this book is delightful to browse through as it travels through various lands and Islamic art forms. I confess that I haven’t actually read it in much detail as I use it primarily for visual aid, but I can safely say it’s a brilliant source of reference for these arts.

Visions of Splendour in Islamic Art and Culture is available here on Amazon*.

The Minbar of Saladin

Where to begin with this one? This majestic book follows the fascinating story of Salahuddin al Ayyubi (Saladin)’s pulpit in the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the challenge of its reconstruction after disaster. I believe this is one of most incredible stories of the Islamic art world, having also watched a documentary about it, and the book truly does not disappoint. Historical context, patterns and geometrical insight, photography; this is one for the mind and the eyes, with visuals as captivating as the story itself.

The Minbar of Saladin is available here on Amazon*.

An Illustrated History of Islamic Art & Design

Another feast for the eyes, I purchased this book solely because I wanted more varied visuals of Islamic art forms in one place, having become accustomed to the usual selection of well-known calligraphic and geometric designs.

With over 240 images, this book covers calligraphy, tilework, ceramics, glass and stone ware, metals, carpetry and so on. It also spans a vast range of styles from various lands, from Turkey to Iran and beyond. A rich visual treasure trove, it’s a joy to explore the many detailed and zoomed-in shots this book has to offer.

An Illustrated History of Islamic Art & Design – I can’t locate the exact same version, but a different version is available here on Amazon*.

Mastering Calligraphy

During a serious calligraphy phase, I’d wanted desperately to find a book with instructional and practical information to help me form letters in a range of gothic styles; in particular, Fraktur and something like the brilliance of Luca Barcellona. Though this book doesn’t specifically define these, it still serves as a brilliant reference for lettering and I still enjoy leafing through the pages at random even now.

Again, I picked this up at a thrift second-hand bookstore somewhere in London and it’s claimed a place on my top shelf ever since.

Mastering Calligraphy is available here on Amazon*.

 

Drawing Geometry

Perhaps not as much an artsy book as the others, this one is more of a primer for geometry; still, it’s a useful book to flick through over a quiet brew and one I sometimes look through for inspiration for my next piece.

As an artist in this particular field, I can never proclaim enough admiration for geometers and people who understand this science. I myself am admittedly weak at it, or perhaps lacking the discipline it requires, and so this book has truly served as a gem for me where so many related books have failed. A brilliantly practical guide with clear tutorials and visuals to pique your artistic vision.

Drawing Geometry is available here on Amazon*.