Islamic Patterns: An Analytical and Cosmological Approach - Keith Critchlow

A fascinating look at the underlying geometry and design principles of traditional islamic decorative patterns.  There are many examples of how the patterns are built geometrically through several steps and transformations.  Watching the shapes go through their transformations and patterns is fascinating.

Another intriguing element in the book is the cosmology and philosophy behind these patterns.  They are not just decorative; they also express a profound world view.  They are seen as an expression of the One, the unity in all things.  Through geometry, the circle, the square and the triangle become one, interconnected variations on the theme of Oneness, with the circle as the most primal or basic form.  There are strong links to the Pythagorean theory and cosmology of numbers.

To find:
Pythagorean cosmology and number theory

Lost Enlightenment - Central Asia's Golden Age from the Arab Conquest to Tamerlane - S. Frederick Starr

A fascinating account of one of the great forgotten ages (and regions) of intellectual and artistic achievement.  A worthwhile read for a number of reasons:

- the sheer contrast of the historical region with its current state

- the tantalizing hints of what must have been there as an intellectual and artistic tradition before the arab invasion, which was really the arrival of the barbarians by then central asian standards

- the underlying theme of the importance of persian culture and cultures of the persian linguistic families in the flowering of this great age; underlines that this culture was a highly influential culture in the whole middle-eastern and central asian region

- the historical importance of this central asian intellectual tradition to the later flowering of european thought and development, both as a source of ideas and as a source of ancient texts 

- Starr's speculations on the reason for the decline of the region:  increasing focus on religious dogmatism in a conflict between the two versions of Islam leads to intolerance and a narrowing of the field of thought - something to consider in this age of dogmatisms, religious, cultural, social, political as so on...

- Starr's observation that, even excluding the possible highly advanced society preceding the arab invasion, this Central Asian Golden Age lasted longer than any other similar historical golden period in any other society world-wide

- great source for thinkers and poets to chase down

This book is a great reference to put any writers (Rumi, Khayam etc.) in their political and social context.

Not a fast read, as it is very detailed and explores central intellectual themes as well as social, political, and economic milieux. 

Silk Road - A New History Valerie Hansen

An interesting approach to the topic; different point of view.  Well organized into chapters focusing on specific key locations or sections of the trading routes, examining archaeological evidence.  Also an interesting chapter devoted to the Sogdians, who seem to really be the only people who actually moved along the whole eastern end of the route, from Khorasan to China, and even further afield.

Some very interesting suggestions regarding the nature of this trading route:
- mostly short, local trading
- silk moved along it chiefly as a way of paying the Chinese troops stationed on the route as far as wester Xinjiang
- troop payments and supplies were the chief driving engine of the route.


Well-written, generally a happy medium between scholarly and popular.  Good reference text.

To find:

The Silk Road, Sven Hedin 1936

Life of Hiuen-Tsiang, trans. Samuel Beal
A Biography of the Tripitaka Master, trans. Li Rongxi

The Lion and the Throne 31761069705192 Rob

A beautiful retell of some of the early stories in the Shahname.  Prose retell.  Reproductions of old miniatures from old editions of the book.

To find again.
Source for storytelling.

A Thousand and One Arabian Nights - Geraldine McCaughrean

- from TPL
Well-written.  A good source for a variety of arabic stories.