Eastern Wisedome and Learning: The Study of Arabic in Seventeenth-Century England [Hardcover]

G. J. Toomer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198202911 | ISBN-13: 978-0198202912 | Publication Date: May 23, 1996 | Edition: 1

This book narrates the extraordinary growth in the study of Arabic in England from the late sixteenth century, when it was almost non-existent, to the end of the seventeenth. In this masterly and original study, Professor Toomer gives the first detailed account of this growth, set against the religious and political background in England and Europe. He shows how trade with the Ottoman Empire and mistrust of Islam influenced the study of Arabic. Finally, he traces the course and causes of the drastic decline in Arabic studies towards the end of the century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book contains a large amount of valuable information. It is highly readable and the lives of the men described could lend themselves to the best of historical fiction."--American Historical Review

About the Author

G.J. Toomer is Professor Emeritus of the History of Mathematics, Brown University, and Associate in the History of Science Department, Harvard University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (May 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198202911
• ISBN-13: 978-0198202912
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,127,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating history of Arabic studies, August 11, 2003

By 

J. E. S. Leake "sailor and scholar" (Offshore, Persian Gulf) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eastern Wisedome and Learning: The Study of Arabic in Seventeenth-Century England (Hardcover)

Toomer has written a fascinating account of the start of Arabic studies in England, including a good overview of the state of Arabic studies throughout Europe until the end of the seventeenth century. English studies are traced through from their individualist start, through a mainstream, largely driven by bishops Ussher (he who computed the 4004 BC creation date, one of the most brilliant scholars of his day) and Laud (Chancellor of Oxford University), through Pococke's career to Arabic studies' decline as the eighteenth century approached.

Sadly the book has no illustrations: samples of the early Arabic founts discussed in the book and portraits of any of the men discussed would have added something (and at the exorbitant price ought to have been included). But do get your library to buy a copy!