Series:

Wooden Books

6 total works

Cover of Islamic Design

Islamic Design

by Daud Sutton

Published 1 October 2007

Throughout their long history the craft traditions of the Islamic world evolved a multitude of styles applied to a great variety of media but always with unifying factors that make them instantly recognizable. Harmony is central. There are two key aspects to the visual structure of Islamic design, calligraphy using Arabic script-one of the world's great calligraphic traditions-and abstract ornamentation using a varied but remarkably integrated visual language. This art of pure ornament revolves around two central themes; crystalline geometric patterns, the harmonic and symmetrical subdivision of the plane giving rise to intricately interwoven designs that speak of infinity and the omnipresent center; and idealized plant form, spiraling tendrils, leaves, buds and flowers embodying organic life and rhythm.

1. WIDE APPEAL: Anyone interested in science, mathematics, design, architecture, and the natural world.

2. AUTHORITATIVE: A compelling blend of scholarship and visual presentation, packs an enormous amount of information into a short space.

3. BEAUTIFUL PACKAGE: A bargain at $10.00. Winner of First Prize for Nonfiction at the New York Book Show

4. SERIES PURPOSE: All are aimed at bringing ancient wisdom forward into the 21st century.

5. INSPIRING: The perfect entree into a challenging topic; will inspire other reading.

Cover of Harmonograph

Harmonograph

by Anthony Ashton

Published 1 May 1999
Why did Pythagoras pause outside a Blacksmith's workshop? Can the nature of Harmony really be understood visually? Why do harmonies leave gaps or 'commas' when added together? In this charming little book Anthony Ashton uses a Victorian device called a Harmonograph to tell the story of Harmony and the intervals in the scale. With useful appendices and exquisite line drawings this is a unique and original introduction to this magical subject. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

Cover of Platonic and Archimedean Solids
What sort of things happen when space crystallises? Why were primordial sages fascinated with five simple forms?
Does the three-dimensional jigsaw fit simply together? If so how? Find out about one of the languages spoken throughout the universe! An understanding of the Platonic Solids, and their close cousins, the Archimedean Solids has long been required of students seeking entry into ancient wizdom schools. This book, illustrated by the author, is a beautiful introduction to three-dimensional mathemagical space. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

Cover of Quadrivium
The Quadrivium consists of the four Liberal Arts of Number, Geometry, Music, and Cosmology, studied from antiquity to the Renaissance as a way of glimpsing the nature of reality. They synthesize number, space, and time. Geometry is number in space, music is number in time, and the cosmos expresses number in space and time. Number, music, and geometry are metaphysical truths, good and beautiful everywhere at all times. Life across the universe investigates them. They foreshadow the physical sciences. This is the first volume to bring together the Quadrivium for many hundreds of years

Cover of Curves: Flowers, Foliates & Flourishes in The Formal Decorative Arts
Why are curves important? What are the secrets of ornamentation? How do you create an invisible repeat in a fabric or wallpaper design? Does a hidden geometry inform these free-flowing floral compositions? In this beautiful pocket book, packed with rare illustrations and helpful diagrams, artist Lisa DeLong demonstrates the time-honoured techniques behind the use of curves and plant forms in the traditional visual arts. From ironwork to illuminated manuscripts, this is an inspirational book.

Cover of Designa

Designa

by Adam Tetlow, Daud Sutton, and Lisa DeLong

Published 1 August 2014
Do you ever stare at patterns and wonder how to construct them? Are you ever captivated and inspired by Celtic or Islamic art? Do you ever think about the illusion of depth perspective that your brain builds from your senses? Are you aware that symmetry informs your feeling of what is right? Is there a Golden secret which is hidden in nature and all the traditional arts? Packed with information and exquisite illustrations by more than twelve expert authors, DESIGNA is the ultimate sourcebook for visual artists, artisans and designers of every kind.