The Arcadian Library
Western Appreciation of Arab and Islamic Civilization

This book surveys the main holdings of a major private library devoted to published works and documents produced in Europe concerning the Arab and Islamic world. Travel reports, history, religion, science, languages, and literature are all covered in what is both an introduction to the whole field and a scholarly reference work.

In addition to travel there is a large collection of Turcica, with its rare pamphlets and illustrations; a section on Arab science and medicine which contains priceless incunables of translations of Arabic texts; an important selection of Quran translations and material on Eastern Christianity; documents both published and unpublished on the Arabs in Spain and the influence of the tradition they established on early modern Spain and the rest of Europe; numerous products of oriental scholarship and, finally, works of oriental literature which include, besides translations from Turkish and Persian, unpublished manuscripts, and splendidly illustrated copies of The Arabian Nights. Over 200 illustrations of some of the finest items in the library, including four 8-page fold-outs, complement the text. The bibliography, running to almost 2000 entries, gives an overview of some of the most important items in the library.

INTRODUCTION
1 TRAVEL
1. Pilgrims
2. Missionaries
3. Merchants
4. Diplomats
5. Scientists
6. Antiquarians and Archaeologists
7. Soldiers
8. Tourists, Artists, and Professional Travellers
9. Crossroads
10. Arabia
11. Women
2. TURCICA
1. War
2. Curiosity Satisfied
3. ARAB SCIENCE
4. ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY
1. Islam
2. Christians in the East and Eastern Christians
5. SPAIN
6. ORIENTAL SCHOLARSHIP AND LITERATURE
1. Oriental Scholarship
2. Oriental Literature