Written works are not only among the oldest signs to symbolize the progress of science and culture among a nation but also outline the main principles of each individual civilization. As a result of the modernization that has taken place over traditional and contemporary times, we are now able to use and understand a wider variety of materials in relation to both the new and older methods of writing styles. Such materials have undoubtedly improved the accessibility of social-historical written works (such as manuscripts, scripts and potteries) in all parts of the world for people from a diverse range of cultures, specializations and societies.

It is clear that many of these works were wholly based on the relevant needs and imperatives of the societies of the period. As these societies evolved and progressed, the resulting cultural changes were well documented over the centuries, although not always easy to interpret or classify. The range of styles in the written material in different media such as manuscripts, stone-inscriptions, calligraphic potteries, and metals like gold, bronze, and copper which were used to emboss ancient coins, trays and swords is truly astounding.

These historical objects are valued not only for their survival through the centuries, but for their status even now as masterpieces that can serve as learning tools for researchers for many centuries to come. Many of the illustrations show calligraphic forms and stone-inscriptions which provide an important narrative of humanity, history, artistry and early communicative literature. Whilst some of their performing materials reflect the hard, inflexible and even harsh face of using stone, it is easy to see why they were of value then (and still are now!). Take, for instance, the evidence of the stone-inscriptions: these should be recognized as conferring a major cultural and historical honor on modern societies, and for this reason it is imperative that future research projects thoroughly outline their existence and importance.

This distinguished series of books on ancient calligraphy was compiled by the significant talents of Mr. Mousavi Jazayeri SMV and his team. Mr. Jazayeri is an inspirational calligrapher who has written books on this particular subject that are very different from many of the previously published reference works in the field of art and art history. We therefore advocate the method of study in these books as innovative. It represents a new advance in the studies of ancient scripts and calligraphy, and we hope this recent achievement will be welcomed not only by researchers who are familiar with Mr. Mousavi Jazayeri’s former works but also by those who are interested in accessing a wider range of evidence supported by true facts.

I sincerely believe that whilst the author of this series of books did not live during the time of the great and ancient artisans, designers and calligraphers, his strong empathy will evoke an ardent desire in readers to learn more about the cultures that made calligraphy one of the most highly developed and celebrated art forms of all time.