Rise of Islamic Calligraphy

The birth of Qur'anic calligraphy was a major event in the early history of Islam. In a few decades, it raised the Arabs and their language from the remote fringes of the civilised world to its very heart. Alain George brings together manuscript, mosaic, architecture and text to reveal the evolution of Arabic calligraphy from its pre-Islamic conception to the emergence of the modern styles of writing still in use today. The Rise of Islamic Calligraphy explores the ancient notion of proportion in Arabic script and presents the first in-depth investigation of an extremely rare body of material: the earliest manuscripts of the Qur'an. Alain George highlights the relationship of early Arabic calligraphy to the emerging civilisation of Islam, showing how a craft based on pen, parchment and ink came to convey the divine character of the Qur'anic text. Beautifully illustrated, this is an essential reference work for students and connoisseurs of calligraphy alike.

Review: '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