Les Calligraphes et les Miniaturistes de l’Orient Musulman is a highly regarded exploration of the Islamic art of calligraphy. Compiled by the noted Orientalist Clément Huart, this study begins with an introduction to the tools of the calligrapher’s trade, including details about the type of paper, how it is ruled, the writing implements and the use of colors. Turning to Islamic calligraphy, he demonstrates techniques and even playful examples of calligraphy. This section is fully illustrated, demonstrating to the reader the unique characteristics of each letter and how they are used as art. The main body of the work, however, is dedicated to the exploration of various schools of the art form throughout history. For readers interested in an introduction to what had grown into its own art-form in the context of Islam, this book will not disappoint.

Clément Imbault-Huart (1854-1926) was a highly regarded Orientalist. He studied at École des Langues Orientales Vivantes and became a diplomat in Damascus and Constantinople. In Paris he served as Secretary-Interpreter for Oriental Languages in the French government and as a professor at École des Langues Orientales in Paris.