Muqarnas Volume 12, written by Gülru Necipoğlu, is an exceptional book that provides valuable insights into the world of Islamic art and architecture. As part of the renowned Muqarnas journal series, this volume offers a collection of scholarly articles and essays that delve into various aspects of Islamic visual culture.
One of the book's notable strengths is its wide range of topics. Each chapter explores a different facet of Islamic art, from regional architectural styles to the influences that shaped artistic expressions. This diversity allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject and appreciate the rich tapestry of Islamic artistic traditions.
Necipoğlu's writing style is engaging and informative. Despite the scholarly nature of the book, the author effortlessly explains complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. This makes the content accessible to a broad audience without compromising on the depth of analysis and research provided. Readers can easily grasp the intricacies of Islamic art and architecture thanks to Necipoğlu's skillful exposition.
Available on Audible
The inclusion of high-quality illustrations and photographs adds another layer of richness to the book. These visual aids not only enhance the reading experience but also serve as valuable references for the architectural and artistic elements discussed in the text. By providing visual representations, the book enables readers to fully appreciate and understand the intricacies of Islamic art.
Moreover, the book takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore Islamic visual culture. The essays delve into the connections between Islamic art and other disciplines such as history, anthropology, and archaeology. This interdisciplinary perspective enriches the content, allowing readers to grasp the broader context in which Islamic art exists within different academic fields.
What are readers saying?
Muqarnas Volume 12, edited by Gülru Necipoğlu, has received a range of feedback from readers. This compilation of essays focuses on the development and history of Islamic art and architecture. While some readers found the book to be a valuable resource that deepens their understanding of the topic, others felt that it was overly technical and lacked accessibility.
Several reviewers praised the comprehensive nature of Muqarnas Volume 12, highlighting its detailed analysis of various aspects of Islamic art and architecture. They commended Gülru Necipoğlu and the contributors for their well-researched essays and informative presentations. These readers found the book to be an excellent reference work, providing valuable insights into a complex subject.
However, some readers felt that Muqarnas Volume 12 was excessively technical, focusing too much on obscure details. They found the book lacking in explanations and overemphasizing theoretical concepts, making it difficult for a general audience to engage with the material. These reviewers mentioned that the book seemed more suited for scholars and experts in the field of Islamic art and architecture.
Additionally, a few readers expressed disappointment with the organization and structure of the book, finding the essays disjointed and lacking a clear overarching theme. Some felt that the chapters were repetitive and could have been better coordinated to provide a more coherent reading experience.
Opinions were divided on the writing style, with some readers appreciating the scholarly tone and language used, while others found it overly dense and inaccessible. Some reviewers suggested that a more approachable writing style would have made the content more engaging and digestible for a wider audience.
MuqarnasVolume12 IslamicArchitecture ArtHistory