A richly informative and visually packed sourcebook demonstrating and explaining the function and worldwide appeal of Islamic architecture. Islamic architecture dates back 1400 years and continues to reinvent itself up to the present day. The enormous richness of building types regional styles and architectural details is revealed here by a welltravelled expert guide exploring the familiar and unfamiliar striking a balance between famous masterpieces and unknown gems. All eras and global regions are represented with a selective eye for some of the creative exuberance boldness and sensitivity of Islamic architecture that has not always been widely appreciated outside of the region. Closeups of architectural details not only describe style and function but also show the hand of the craftsman making this reference work both useful and beautiful. Here is a wealth of information about the historical and cultural context of buildings around the world a chance to encounter the widest Islamic community and the deeper pleasure of immersing ourselves in the beauty of Islamic architecture.