The outstanding collection of Korans in the Khalili collection is given suitable presentation in the 4-volume series of catalogues, with this volume concluding the series. Beautifully presented in an oversized format (10.25x14.25"), the catalogue contains full entries for 74 Korans, most from Iran and Ottoman Turkey in the 19th century. The entries, written by noted scholars Manijeh Bayani and Tim Stanley, are very thorough, providing detailed histories of the circumstances of the Koran's manufacture, the career history of the scribe, and details of provenance, patronage, dimensions, style, and aspects unique to each Koran, many of which are decorated. Each entry includes full-page color plates of a page or selection of pages from the Koran, as well as details. An appendix presents b&w plates of comparative works. Bayani and Stanley also contribute several essays introducing each section--the Koran in Qajar Iran, divination, Ottoman provincial production, Shumen, and miniature Korans and those of non-standard format, among others--confirming the importance of this series to the scholarly literature. Distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
