Ceramics from Islamic Lands (The Al-Sabah Collection)

Reference books for these type of ceramics tend to be full of great pictures and little information. This one is different. At the moment I would put this top of my list for valuable information in regard to these type of ceramics. It's not a price guide and won't help you find out the value of anything you have. But if your looking to date, identify and place ceramics from this part of the world I have not seen a better book. It is a little sparse when trying to gain information for styles and designs beyond the 16th century but when almost nothing is available from which to gain this information, even a little is very welcome. Great book, great price (at the moment), if your tempted buy it.

Wonderful book with excellent illustrations . The last word on everything except Hispano-moresque pottery , for some reason .

Great item and excellent service from seller.

This book is a significant achievement, full of important new research. It is also beautifully produced. But Dr. Watson is not what I would call a natural writer. Here's an example where he uses seven words when three would do. Describing the ambiguous, long-haired figure on the front cover, he writes "She (we presume she is a female) ..." No, Dr. Watson, all you need is "She (we presume) ..." A minor case, I agree, but unfortunately that ratio of words used to words needed is pretty consistent throughout and the text is much longer and more leaden than necessary. The reader finds him or herself silently copy editing ... and wondering why Thames & Hudson didn't.