The arts of the book are central to the cultures of the Islamic world. This course will introduce the history and status of the arts of the book, including manuscript production and decoration, from the origins of Islam in the 7th century to the present day within both traditional and modern cultures (Arab, Persian, Turkish, east and south-eastern Asian and sub-Saharan African). Attention also will be given to the history of book collecting and libraries. It is expected that students will have the opportunity for a first-hand look at Islamic manuscripts in Philadelphia collections.