This book deals with the genre of geometric design in the Islamic sphere. Part I presents an overview of Islamic history, its extraordinary spread from the Atlantic to the borders of China in its first century, its adoption of the cultural outlook of the older civilisations that it conquered (in the Middle East, Persia and Central Asia), including their philosophical and scientific achievements - from which it came to express its own unique and highly distinctive artistic and architectural...

For over 700 years the international language of science was Arabic. In Pathfinders, Jim al-Khalili celebrates the forgotten pioneers who helped shape our understanding of the world.All scientists have stood on the shoulders of giants. But most historical accounts today suggest that the achievements of the ancient Greeks were not matched until the European Renaissance in the 16th century, a 1,000-year period dismissed as the Dark Ages. In the ninth-century, however, the Ab...

A unique study of the engineering and tools used to create Egyptian monuments• Presents a stone-by-stone analysis of key Egyptian monuments, including the statues of Ramses II and the tunnels of the Serapeum• Reveals that highly refined tools and mega-machines were used in ancient EgyptFrom the pyramids in the north to the temples in the south, ancient artisans left their marks all over Egypt, unique marks that reveal craftsmanship we would be hard pressed to duplic...

Learn how to draw seven geometric star patterns from around the Islamic world, using only a pencil, straight edge, and a pair of compasses. Patterns featured are from Baghdad, Fes, Cairo, Konya, Delhi and Damascus. Suitable for ages 9 and up. No calculations are necessary.The least complicated way of learning Islamic geometric design is to understand and use the same techniques that craftsmen in the Islamic world have used for centuries. These craftsmen were not mathematicians; they...

The forgotten story of Central Asia's enlightenment—its rise, fall, and enduring legacyIn this sweeping and richly illustrated history, S. Frederick Starr tells the fascinating but largely unknown story of Central Asia's medieval enlightenment through the eventful lives and astonishing accomplishments of its greatest minds—remarkable figures who built a bridge to the modern world. Because nearly all of these figures wrote in Arabic, they were long assumed to have b...

This illustrated Travel Guide is designed for optimal navigation on eReaders and other electronic devices. It is indexed alphabetically and by category, making it easier to access individual articles. Articles feature information about attractions, landmarks, districts, transportation, cultural venues, dining, history and much more. Addresses, telephones, hours of operation and admissions information are included. The guide is complimented by clearly marked maps that are linked to city att...

The Alhambra, the 'red fort' on its rocky hill above Granada with its fountained courts and gardens and intricate decoration has long been a byword for exotic and melancholy beauty. In a stimulating new book in the 'Wonders of the World' series Robert Irwin, Arabist and novelist, examines its engrossing and often mysterious history.Built by a bloody and threatened dynasty of Muslim Spain, the Alhambra was preserved as a monument to the triumph of Christianity. Much of what we see i...

We may remember their equations and discoveries from school, but do we remember who the men behind the maths were? From the theories of Pythagoras (and did you know he ran a secret brotherhood that studied maths, music and gymnastics?) to coining the term 'Googol', "Fom 0 to Infinity in 26 Centuries: The Extraordinary Story of Maths" is packed full of fascinating stories and amazing facts from ancient times to the modern day.

*** The Great Pyramid in the Himalaya ***In 'Thoth, Architect of the Universe' Ralf discovered evidence for megalithic maps. But if these megalithic maps are to be of any use in a quest for the mythical Hall of Records, then they need to be a little more detailed than a simple representation of continents.Luckily, the shaft angles inside the Great Pyramid can refine these maps down to just a few tens of meters. And so Ralf embarked on a long trek into the high Himalaya, to ...

The Middle Ages were a period of tremendous cultural and scientific advancement in the Islamic Empire—ideas and inventions that shaped our world.Did you know that:• The numbers you use every day (Arabic numerals!) are a Muslim invention?• The marching band you hear at football games has its roots in the Middle East?• You are drinking orange juice at breakfast today thanks to Islamic farming innovations?• The modern city's skyline was made possible by Isla...

Long before the European Enlightenment, scholars and researchers working from Samarkand in modern-day Uzbekistan to Cordoba in Spain advanced our knowledge of astronomy, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, medicine and philosophy.From Musa al-Khwarizmi who developed algebra in 9th century Baghdad to al-Jazari, a 13th-century Turkish engineer whose achievements include the crank, the camshaft and the reciprocating piston,Ehsan Masood tells the amazing story of one of history'...

In this book, Johnny Ball tells one of the most important stories in world history – the story of mathematics.By introducing us to the major characters and leading us through many historical twists and turns, Johnny slowly unravels the tale of how humanity built up a knowledge and understanding of shapes, numbers and patterns from ancient times, a story that leads directly to the technological wonderland we live in today. As Galileo said, 'Everything in the univers...