Arts and Culture in the Early Islamic World

August 1, 2012

Gr 5-7-Each book covers a particular aspect of life in the early Islamic world. The writing is generally simple enough for the intended audience but does not sacrifice quality of scholarship. Information is presented in concise chapters and is graphically well organized. The main texts are supplemented with blue boxes of information, subsections, and many high-quality reproductions, maps, and paintings. Each book contains time lines and short biographies of important historical figures. Together, the books provide a strong introduction to the study of life in the early Islamic world. Other similar titles have not been as successful at maintaining scholarly veracity while tailoring the information for young people.-Justin Parrott, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2012
Grades 5-7 *Starred Review* Solid information and a striking format combine to make the four books in the Life in the Early Islamic World series standouts. Arts and Culture introduces the important roles that many of the arts, but especially calligraphy, architecture, and the decorative arts, have had in Islamic culture, in which art is meant to be useful as well as beautiful. Most recognizable are the arabesque patterns that cover surfaces, using flowers and leaves in a repetitive pattern, and the geometric designs based on shapes. This useful series is written with respect and appeal; boldfaced introductory paragraphs and plenty of sidebars draw readers in. The books are full of terrific examples of Islamic artwork (along with some contemporary photographs) that heighten and brighten the pages.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)