A rare and one of the greatest books on the subject. An outstanding work by one of the greatest experts. Simply MUST HAVE for the library, no doubt about it. This book offers just too much, it'll show you real quality in great details, and present how the truly great collection must be formed.

The Furusiyya Art Foundation launched its collection of Islamic art, particularly pieces related to the Muslim knight, in the early 1980s. Its aim was to assemble significant material from the early days of Islam and the first dynasties. Today, the collection includes fine pieces from the 8th and 9th centuries, especially from the Samanid, Ghaznavid, and Seljuk periods, through to the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. The earliest sword pommels and hilts, as well as the very first sabers, help to establish a typology of edged weapons. The collection also includes reed shields and a set of archery equipment, not to mention armor for both men and horses. It is also representative of the daggers and belts worn by courtiers and knights. Thus, in addition to its scholarly value, the collection is distinguished by its precious, refined, and aesthetically pleasing nature. It can claim to hold a collection that is not found in other collections, public or private. This book presents almost half of the works belonging to the foundation.