The history of Islam stretches from the seventh century to the present and encompasses an area from Spain to Indonesia, North Africa to the Steppes. The material culture of the Muslim peoples is accordingly richly varied, taking in architectural projects on a vast scale and minutely detailed miniature paintings, exquisitely patterned silk textiles and bold calligraphy. The spectacular format of the "Timeline" allows the reader to view the magnificent sweep of the art of Islam in a unique way. You can see at a glance exactly what was happening in the different arts and countries of Islam within the same period. "The Timeline" is lavishly illustrated throughout with colour photographs, many of which are taken from the world renowned Khalili Collection.In addition to the Timeline there is a section devoted to the historical dynasties of the Islamic world and a list of Islamic Rulers along with a four-page gatefold map which encapsulates the global aspects of Islamic history and culture.
There then follows an essay on the history of Islamic art and architecture, including biographies of leading Muslim craftsmen, painters and architects and specific chapters devoted to individual arts including: architecture, calligraphy, Qur'ans, pottery, glass, jewellery, arms and armour, carpets & textiles, carvings and seals and coins.