Includes index and glossary.

Origins of the Arabic alphabet -- Early calligraphic developments -- Kufic scripts -- The reform of the Arabic script -- The development of the cursive scripts -- The major scripts according to classical tradition -- The Maghribi scripts -- Later calligraphic developments -- The 'six styles' of cursive writing -- Thuluth -- Maskhi -- Muhaqqaq -- Rayhani -- Tawqi' -- Riqa' -- Maghribi -- Ta'liq, Nasta'liq and Shikasteh -- The calligrapher and his page -- Composite styles and techniques -- Calligraphy as primary motif -- Islamic calligraphy and Western art -- Calligraphic signs and devices -- The Arabic alphabet -- Glossary.