From the ancient Persian civilization in 500 BC, through the Islamic period, and on to the modern era, this volume explores the common characteristics and themes running through Persian art. Illustrating the text are some 250 color photographs of architectural landscapes, monuments, sculptures, carpets, miniature paintings, and ornaments, which transport the reader on a tour of the region and the art produced there over the ages. In addition, the back matter includes detailed notes to the text and an expanded bibliography.