The Rise of Islamic Calligraphy

'This book rises to the challenge of a grand theme-how did the early Muslims develop a fitting script and presentation for the word of God? George presents, in lucid expository prose, bold but convincing answers to the many questions posed by this scattered and fragmentary material, especially on matters of date and provenance. An unerring sense of the bigger picture complements his mastery of detail and of earlier scholarship. This promises to be a classic.' Robert Hillenbrand, University of Edinburgh and British Academy The Rise of Islamic Calligraphy provides a brilliant and magnificently illustrated synthesis of the first four centuries of an art so important in Islamic civilization - A masterful contribution. It is to be hoped that this pioneering work will be followed by other studies based on a sound methodological approach and contributing to a better understanding of the mushaf during the first centuries of Islam.' Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies 'Alain George's publication marks a new beginning. George makes a point of presenting his material in the wider cultural and historical context of its time. He thereby succeeds in producing a coherent and well-argued account of the developmental phases of Qur'anic calligraphy, from its beginnings up to the eleventh century CE - A beautifully designed volume, which is to be welcomed by specialists and generalists alike.' Journal of Qur'anic Studies