The Look of the Book: Manuscript Production in Shiraz, 1303-1452 Hardcover – Illustrated, 23 Jan. 2013

A wonderful publication, a must for any body studying Persian book production.

This book was packed with care and respect-- first with shipping paper that had been folded and taped like the gift wrapping department stores used to do. Then it was set inside a heavy and rigid packing envelope. I was impressed, as too many times a book is sent loose in a box! Delivery was a few days earlier than announced as well.My review would have been five stars without the superb packing, though.This book has extensive references-- the appendices, endnotes, bibliography and index cover 104 pages on their own! Plus, those references are printed in a font that is smaller than the body text., so it's packed with material. The Look of the Book is an excellent resource for formal research purposes, then. This is a scholarly work where the author's love of the subject is clear.It is a thorough and yet not too technical treatment of its material. Do not expect this to be a quick read. It deserves your full attention and consideration.The Look of the Book has a plethora of beautiful illustrations that are mainly full-color photographs.Only one photograph is in black and white.I actually purchased this book as a leap of faith because I was impressed by another book from Elaine Wright, namely Lapis and Gold. The Look of the Book actually arrived just yesterday, so I have only read a small portion of it so far. The short chapter on calligraphy gave me a lot of new information and insights, as well as important clarifications. So, I was impressed, indeed.I highly recommend this book.Be well.Be safe.

Tous les spécialistes des arts du livre apprécieront la publication de la thèse d'Elaine Wright. Le texte est à la fois érudit et plaisant, l'iconographie est somptueuse.

This is my second copy.