Islamic Arms and Armor: in The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Most interesting, should be in every collectors bookcase.

A typical danger of writing a book entitled ".... in the collection of ...." is to be limited to a discussion of a few disconnected, pretty pieces with little historical or artistic continuity and connection between them.This work however is a first class research publication, that clearly demonstrates strong side of the authors (Islamic armor), being one of the best reviews of the subject as it is known today. Not only it is illustrated by some of the best examples in existence, but it also amply refers to other publications and collections, which allows for the presentation that is relatively complete and executed with much integrity and professionalism.Other sections - on blades and firearms are of considerable less interest and suffer from the issue pointed above - some of the periods and schools are clearly over-represented, and while the descriptions are still presenting some important points, one cannot rely on them to be a general guide to the subject.One should also note the excellent foreword by Stuart Phyrr, which explains much regarding the formation and extent of the Met's Oriental collections.

An absolute for the library of any collector of Indo-Persian arms and armor. You will not be disappointed in this well written and illustrated book.

Not bad. Worth the money spent.