"This is a book for which there is no published counterpart, and it is likely to have considerable appeal to students, collectors, and museum curators working on European or Islamic decorative arts. There have been many articles on the subjects covered by this book, but no attempt to pull so much diverse material together into a single publication."--Julian Raby, author of "Venice, Durer, and the Oriental Mode

"Mack's imaginatively researched and lively text explores the acquisition and interpretation of Islamic works of art in Renaissance Italy, in media such as ceramics, glass, and textiles. The book's emphasis is strongly visual; it is richly illustrated with objects of stunning design and workmanship from an impressive range of museum collections. The book will serve as a source of enduring value for the specialist, just as it will delight the avid museum-goer."--Deborah Howard, author of "Venice and the East: The Impact of the Islamic World on Venetian Architecture 1100-1500

"Mack's survey of luxury objects and techniques in the late Middle Ages and especially during the Renaissance is excellently researched, well written, learned and interesting at the same time. . . . The scholarship is superior, in fact quite amazing, if one considers the variety of topics involved, the illustrations plentiful but essential."--Oleg Grabar, author of "The Shape of the Holy: Early Islamic Jerusalem

"This manuscript traces the influence of oriental motifs, imagery and craftsmanship on Italian artists and craftsmen, offering a valuable overview of a series of complex cultural and aesthetic interchanges. I found the discussion illuminating, a fascinating read on the whole."--Patricia FortiniBrown, author of "Venice and Antiquity: The Venetian Sense of the Past