KEYNOTE: An essential link between the cultural realms of Islam, writing is a key to understanding Muslim cultures as can be seen in this book which aims to open viewers' eyes to the beauty of Arabic writing and the depth of its meaning. Starting with the "alif", the first letter of the Arabic alphabet that symbolizes divine beauty and exploring the fascinating aesthetic qualities of calligraphy, the book presents thecontextual and symbolic intentions of writing in religion, magic, and poetry. Writing surfaces include not only parchment,papyrus, and paper, but also ceramics, metal, stone, wood, leather, and textiles. Ranging from the early period of Islam to the 21st century, the book presents works from the art of the ruling elite to folk art and everyday aesthetics. Muslim cultures' artistic forms of expression are brought to life in this lavishly illustrated book, which includes contributions by renowned international experts in their field and explores the art of writing in Islam in all its richness and diversity. AUTHOR: Jurgen Wasim Frembgen is Chief Curator and Head of the Oriental Department at the Museum of Ethnology in Munich. He is also Private Docent in Islamic Studies at the Institute of Near and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Munich, Germany. ILLUSTRATIONS 160 colour illustrations