Although Arabic Art by Prisse d'Avennes (1807-1879) is presented as an anthology of ornamentation, it was also one of the first publications of "modern" archaeology. A reference in the field, the book offers a wide vision of Arabic art in the areas of architecture, decoration and the applied arts. The picturesque Cairo as it was experienced by European travellers of the 1860's comes to life through the descriptions and images of this inveterate adventurer. An irresistible melange of romanticism and history, this encyclopedia with its incredible graphic scope bears witness to the diversity and value of Islamic Art as seen through the rigorous and scientific eye of a 19th century Westerner.