The Muslim Architecture of Egypt (2 Volumes, Complete)
Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1952-1959. First edition. Hardcover. 250/550 printed by Charles Batey at the University Press Oxford. Folio. xxvi, 290 (2)pp. (with 57 ill.), 125 plates; xxiv, 300pp., (with 74 ill.), 127 plates. Original grass green cloth with gilt lettering on covers, gilt lettering and publisher's devices on spines, in original gray dustjackets with black lettering on spines, green publisher's devices. Title pages printed in green and black with publisher's devices.
Having drawn up a proposal for the Muslim Architecture of Egypt in May 1920, Creswell submitted the proposal to King Fuad I of Egypt and was granted 800 Egyptian pounds for three years to conduct his work. Excavations had increased significantly and without a draftsman being made available to him he undertook the work without assistance.
I. Ikhshids Fatimids A.D. 939–1171. "First comprehensive monograph on Fatimid architecture, both religious and military. The qualities of the military architecture of the period have never been appreciated, for the fortifications Badr al-Gamali, begun ten years before the first Crusade left Europe, have until recently been almost entirely hidden by mean buildings. These now have been removed for a distance of over 400 yards. Professor Creswell's new volume contains a full description of the famous Mosque of al-Azhar, accompanied by a large scale plan on which the various periods are shown in different colors. It also contains a full study of individual elements such as mihrabs, minarets, domes and pendentives. In studying the origins of Fatimid architecture the author disposes of the theory of Persian influence, hitherto widely held, and shows that the principal exterior influence during this period came, except in the case of the fortifications of the Armenian Wazir, Badr al-Gamali, which throughout exhibit North-Syrian and Armenian features." (Publisher). Line and halftone illustrations throughout, some folding and with list at front, and one hundred and twenty-five photogravure plates and list of monuments described at rear of text. Dustjacket with some wear along edges, small tears and chips. Light foxing along foredge.
II. Ayyubids and Early Bahrite Mamluks A.D. 1171–1326. "This is the first comprehensive work on Ayyubid and early Mamluk architecture in Egypt. It contains a full description of the military works of Salah ad-Din, his mighty citadel and that part of the walls of Cairo due to him, also an exhaustive account on the Ayyubid monuments of Egypt, including the beautiful mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i,which it was difficult to enter thirty years ago. The authors' theory as to the Egyptian origin of the cruciform Cairene madrasa is here reinforced. Among the splendid monuments of the early Mamluk period here described are the Mosque of Baybars I, the Madrasa-Mausoleum-Maristan of Qala'un, the Khanaqa of Baybars II, and the charming mausoleum of the Emir Sunqur, known as Hasa Sadaqa. The study of individual elements, such as mihrabs, minarets, domes, and pendentives, begun in the first volume, is here continued." (Publisher). Line and halftone illustrations throughout, some folding and with list at front, and one hundred and twenty-seven photogravure plates and list of monuments described and index at rear of text. Dustjacket with light wear along edges, small tears and chips. Light foxing along foredge. Very good condition. Item #49581
Price: $9,500.00