Oriental Treasures in the Mediterranean - Tapa dura

Hundreds of photographs illustrate the beautiful Islamic monuments and artwork that advanced early Mediterranean civilization to new heights in the 7th and 8th centuries-a true renaissance that took place long before northern Europe's. Madrasa, palace, fort, garden, public bath, and mausoleum designs are explored and placed into a historic and cultural context. Steirlin explicates the Islamic aesthetics of abstract decoration, formed by the interweaving of geometric mosaics, colors, and arabesques that expresses a feverish creativity on the part of Islamic artists of the period. The result is an engaging guide to a body of work fascinating for its very complexity.

Henri Stierlin was born in Alexandria, Egypt, is a world-renowned art historian who has specialized in early Islamic art and monuments. Over his long career he has made numerous radio and television programs and his many books on culture have appeared in many languages; most recently Islamic Art: The Influence of Persian Architecture from Isfahan to the Taj Mahal, published in 2003.