Arabic script : styles, variants, and calligraphic adaptations

Presents a letter-by-letter analysis of all the important alphabets used by todays calligraphers and features a collection of plates representing the aesthetic as well as the functional aspects of these alphabets as interpreted by leading contemporary calligraphers Untitled-1.jpg......Page 1 Untitled-2.jpg......Page 2 Untitled-3.jpg......Page 3 Untitled-4.jpg......Page 4 Untitled-5.jpg......Page 5 Untitled-6.jpg......Page 6 Untitled-7.jpg......Page 7 Untitled-8.jpg......Page 8 Untitled-9.jpg......Page 9 Untitled-10.jpg......Page 10 Untitled-11.jpg......Page 11 Untitled-12.jpg......Page 12 Untitled-13.jpg......Page 13 Untitled-14.jpg......Page 14 Untitled-15.jpg......Page 15 Untitled-16.jpg......Page 16 Untitled-17.jpg......Page 17 Untitled-18.jpg......Page 18 Untitled-19.jpg......Page 19 Untitled-20.jpg......Page 20 Untitled-21.jpg......Page 21 Untitled-22.jpg......Page 22 Untitled-23.jpg......Page 23 Untitled-24.jpg......Page 24 Untitled-25.jpg......Page 25 Untitled-26.jpg......Page 26 Untitled-27.jpg......Page 27 Untitled-28.jpg......Page 28 Untitled-29.jpg......Page 29 Untitled-1.jpg......Page 30 Untitled-2.jpg......Page 31 Untitled-3.jpg......Page 32 Untitled-4.jpg......Page 33 Untitled-5.jpg......Page 34 Untitled-6.jpg......Page 35 Untitled-7.jpg......Page 36 Untitled-8.jpg......Page 37 Untitled-9.jpg......Page 38 Untitled-10.jpg......Page 39 Untitled-11.jpg......Page 40 Untitled-12.jpg......Page 41 Untitled-13.jpg......Page 42 Untitled-14.jpg......Page 43 Untitled-15.jpg......Page 44 Untitled-16.jpg......Page 45 Untitled-17.jpg......Page 46 Untitled-18.jpg......Page 47 Untitled-19.jpg......Page 48 Untitled-20.jpg......Page 49 Untitled-21.jpg......Page 50 Untitled-22.jpg......Page 51 Untitled-23.jpg......Page 52 Untitled-24.jpg......Page 53 Untitled-25.jpg......Page 54 Untitled-1.jpg......Page 55 Untitled-2.jpg......Page 56 Untitled-3.jpg......Page 57 Untitled-4.jpg......Page 58 Untitled-5.jpg......Page 59 Untitled-6.jpg......Page 60 Untitled-7.jpg......Page 61 Untitled-8.jpg......Page 62 Untitled-9.jpg......Page 63 Untitled-10.jpg......Page 64 Untitled-11.jpg......Page 65 Untitled-12.jpg......Page 66 Untitled-13.jpg......Page 67 Untitled-14.jpg......Page 68 Untitled-15.jpg......Page 69 Untitled-16.jpg......Page 70 Untitled-17.jpg......Page 71 Untitled-18.jpg......Page 72 Untitled-19.jpg......Page 73 Untitled-20.jpg......Page 74 Untitled-21.jpg......Page 75 Untitled-1.jpg......Page 76 Untitled-2.jpg......Page 77 Untitled-3.jpg......Page 78 Untitled-4.jpg......Page 79 Untitled-5.jpg......Page 80 Untitled-6.jpg......Page 81 Untitled-7.jpg......Page 82 Untitled-8.jpg......Page 83 One of the world's major forms of writing, Arabic script became widespread as a result of Islamic conquests of much of the world. The Koran places great importance on writing, and in the first verse of the holy book, reading and writing with the calamus, or reed pen, are praised as the source of all knowledge and all spiritual or scientific paths of change. For this reason the Islamic world is known for its reverence for books, as well as its love of writing. Eventually Arabic script gave rise to calligraphic art, which became an art form of astonishing beauty. More highly regarded than painting, Arabic calligraphy is approached aesthetically like music, with its own rules of composition, rhythm, and harmony. This enlightening book helps us discover an alphabet that throughout the centuries has been linked to the secular and religious worlds of Islam. The text explains the history and meaning of each letter, as well as its philosophical, theological, and cultural significance, and 300 two-color and black-and-white pictures illustrate the letters, their variants, and calligraphic adaptations. An ideal book for linguists, graphic designers, and collectors of Islamic art, Arabic Script will also prove handy for travelers who wish to become familiar with the rudiments of the alphabet. "Arabic Script offers a thorough, illuminating guide to the Arabic alphabet and writing styles and presents an understanding of a culture and a civilization. This book helps us discover an alphabet that throughout the centuries has been linked to the secular and religious worlds of Islam.". "In this book the history and meaning of each letter of the alphabet is given as well as its cultural, religious and philosophical significance. Profusely illustrated, there are some 300 two-color and black-and-white pictures of the letters, their variants, and calligraphic adaptations, showing that Arabic script is both an art form and a means of communication. The Appendix includes a glossary and an index.". "An ideal book for linguists, graphic designers, and collectors of Islamic art, Arabic Script is also a handy reference for travelers who wish to become familiar with the rudiments of the alphabet."--BOOK JACKET. This guide to the Arabic alphabet and writing styles also presents a comprehensive overview of the Arab culture and civilization through history.