10th century language studies
11th century language studies
12th century language studies
6th century language studies
7th century language studies
8th century language studies
9th century language studies
A01=Irene A. Bierman
alphabet
Author_Irene A. Bierman
Category=AMX
Category=CB
Category=CF
Category=CFB
Category=CFL
eastern mediterranean
economy
egyptian history
eq_art-fashion-photography
eq_bestseller
eq_dictionaries-language-reference
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
fatimid architecture
fatimid dynasty
fatimid pubic text
fatimid textiles
islam
language
north african history
place
political climate
propaganda
public writing
religion
social practices
socially defined
time
written messages
Product details
- ISBN 9780520208025
- Weight: 363g
- Dimensions: 152 x 229mm
- Publication Date: 16 Dec 1998
- Publisher: University of California Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
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Irene Bierman explores the complex relationship between alphabet and language as well as the ways the two elements are socially defined by time and place. She focuses her exploration on the Eastern Mediterranean in the sixth through twelfth centuries, notably Cairo's Fatimid dynasty of 969-1171. Examining the inscriptions on Fatimid architecture and textiles, Bierman offers insight into all elements of that society, from religion to the economy, and the enormous changes the dynasty underwent during that period. Bierman addresses fundamental issues of what buildings mean, how inscriptions affect that meaning, and the role of written messages and the ceremonies into which they are incorporated in service of propagandist goals. Her method and conclusions provide a pioneering model for studying public writing in other societies and offer powerful evidence to show that writing is a highly charged and deeply embedded social practice.
Irene A. Bierman is Associate Professor of Art History at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Director of the University's Gustav E. von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies.
