Domes, Arches and Minarets: A History of Islamic-Inspired Buildings in America

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Phil Pasquini

Flypaper Press, Novato, CA, 2012, English

Nonfiction, Architecture

9.1 x 12.2 inches, paperback, 254 pages

ISBN: 9780967001616

From the Publisher. This noteworthy book traces the over 200-year history and development of Islamic-inspired architecture in America from the earliest Spanish-Moorish buildings constructed in the 1700s to the more contemporary buildings of the 21st century. Domes, Arches and Minarets introduces readers to the influences and evolution of Islamic-inspired architecture in America. The book includes an extensive full color photographic portfolio of more than 100 buildings arranged in chronological order, each accompanied by text describing the building and its history. Many of the buildings depicted were designed by some of America's most famous national and regional architects, including Leopold Eidlitz, Samuel Sloan, Richard Morris Hunt, Louis Sullivan, James Francis Dunn, Arthur and Nina Zwebell, Timothy Pflueger, Frank Lloyd Wright, brothers Carl and Robert Boller, Minoru Yamasaki and Philip Johnson. The author spent over four years traveling across the country photographing each of the buildings and chronicling their fascinating stories. The book examines buildings that have influenced and impacted the American cityscape and includes examples of private villas, homes, commercial buildings, atmospheric movie theaters, Shrine temples, churches, synagogues and family tombs, each of which has contributed to creating this rich and exotic American "Orientalist" style of architecture. Domes, Arches and Minarets presents a compelling review of this little-known area of American architectural history. Phil Pasquini is an award winning photojournalist, artist and educator who has traveled extensively across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and North Africa for more than four decades. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Islamic studies, architecture, history or Americana.

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