DIGITAL ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY · PUBLISHING

Arabic Calligraphy for the Library of Arabic Literature

Digital Arabic calligraphy created by Nihad Taisir Nadam for selected book jackets in the Library of Arabic Literature series, published by NYU Press with the support of New York University Abu Dhabi.

The project brought classical Arabic literary heritage into a contemporary publishing system. My role focused specifically on creating Arabic calligraphic compositions for the jackets, combining an understanding of traditional script with the precision required for modern print production.

Library of Arabic Literature book jackets featuring digital Arabic calligraphy by Nihad Taisir Nadam

Client

Library of Arabic Literature

Institution

NYU Abu Dhabi

Publisher

NYU Press

Role

Arabic Calligraphy

A Major Arabic Publishing Initiative

The Library of Arabic Literature publishes authoritative Arabic editions and English translations of important works of Arabic literature, with a particular focus on texts from the seventh to the nineteenth centuries.

Its publications encompass poetry, fiction, religion, philosophy, law, science, travel writing, history, and other fields of classical and pre-modern Arabic intellectual life. The books are produced in parallel-text, English-only, print, and digital editions.

For selected jackets in the series, I created digital Arabic calligraphy that could function as part of a consistent contemporary publishing identity while retaining the cultural character and visual authority of Arabic script.

THE CONTRIBUTION

Traditional Script Within a Contemporary Publishing System

This work sits at the intersection of Arabic calligraphy, editorial design, and digital production. Each calligraphic composition needed to retain the rhythm and character of Arabic writing while working clearly within the dimensions, hierarchy, and production requirements of a modern book jacket.

It reflects the broader focus of my practice: translating the depth of Arabic visual culture into precise, functional, and contemporary design applications.

Selected Book Jackets

Examples featuring digital Arabic calligraphy created for the Library of Arabic Literature.

NYU Book Title Arabic-Calligraphy by Nihad 2
NYU Book Title Arabic-Calligraphy by Nihad
NYU Book Title Arabic-Calligraphy by Nihad 1

Official Acknowledgement

When the first Library of Arabic Literature titles were released in 2013, the series’ official announcement acknowledged Nihad Nadam among the calligraphers responsible for work on the book jackets.