This book covers in rich detail a period of Islamic history not accessible to most scholars of Islamic Art. It discusses the influences on the Muslims, which were brought to bear on the artifacts and architecture of Spain during the period of the Moorish Kingdoms in Spain. Shahid Suhrawardy writes not only of the political history but weaves in the social mores prevalent at the time. Along with detailed descriptions of ivories, laces and other objects found in the Islamic collections of many of the European museums of that time, he also gives a picture of the people, their aspirations, and constraints.
