Jonathan Brockopp

My recent research has focused on books as material objects, and for Muslims, there is no more important object than the Qur'an. This catalogue from a wonderful exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum explores the veneration that Muslim calligraphers, artists and artisans have devoted to Islam's sacred text. It demonstrates the fact that books are much more than bearers of text; through rich materials and decoration, fine manuscripts like these prepare the reader to encounter the divine word.