The best single volume on Islamic Art
For non-professionals in this field, this is the best single volume that I've ever seen. It is comprehensive and, believe it or not, gives a COHERENT(! ) history of the Islamic cultures, their spread, and their art. The prints are wonderful, almost all in color, and true to the originals! For a thorough look at the beauty in the Islamic world, so often obscured by factionalism, political unrest, and religious intolerance, this is the best single book!