Veiling Architecture

Abdel-Gawad, who holds a diploma in Islamic architecture from Cairo University, presents high-quality b&w photos cataloguing decorative elements on the facades of residential buildings in 19 towns of Upper (Southern) Egypt. The examples depicted are from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, illustrating two major architectural trends: the Rumi and European styles. A 40-page introduction discusses neo-Islamic architecture in general, as well as types of screens used for balconies, shapes of end treatments in local and eclectic styles, and shapes of pediment and stucco decorations. The introduction also provides a brief historical account of types of doorways and reception units since the Ottoman period. The book includes six appendices of computer-assisted drawings illustrating many specific decorative motifs, plus a glossary. The author teaches at Cairo University. The book is distributed in North America by Oxford University Press. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Ahmed Abdel-Gawad is a professor in the faculty of veterinary medicine at Cairo University and also holds a degree in Islamic architecture from Cairo University. He is the author of Enter in Peace: The Doorways of Cairo Homes, 1872-1950 (AUC Press in 2007).