Islamic Art and Visual Culture is a collection of primary sources in translation accompanied by clear and concise introductory essays that provide unique insights into the aesthetic and cultural history of one of the world's major religions. Collects essential translations from sources as diverse as the Qur'an, court chronicles, technical treatises on calligraphy and painting, imperial memoirs, and foreign travel accountsIncludes clear and concise introductory essaysSituates each text and explains the circumstances in which it was written--the date, place, author, and political conditionsProvides a vivid window into Islamic visual culture and societyAn indispensable tool for teachers and students of art and visual culture