Learning Arabic in Renaissance Europe (1505-1624) (The History of Oriental Studies, 6)

Book info: Learning Arabic in Renaissance Europe (1505-1624) (The History of Oriental Studies, 6) (Hardcover, 338 pages) – Brill, 2020. Language: English.

From the first Arabic grammar printed at Granada in 1505 to the Arabic editions of the Dutch scholar Thomas Erpenius (d.1624), some audacious scholars - supported by powerful patrons and inspired by several of the greatest minds of the Renaissance – introduced, for the first time, the study of Arabic language and letters to centres of learning across Europe. These pioneers formed collections of Arabic manuscripts, met Arabic-speaking visitors, studied and adapted the Islamic grammatical tradition, and printed editions of Arabic texts - most strikingly in the magnificent books published by the Medici Oriental Press at Rome in the 1590s. Robert Jones’ findings in the libraries of Florence, Leiden, Paris and Vienna, and his contribution to the history of grammar, are of enduring importance. Editorial Reviews Review "There is more in Learning Arabic in Renaissance Europe than there is space here even to hint at. It is a densely argued tour de force..."

Robert Irwin, in: Times Literary Supplement, September 18, 2020

“Jones’ work represents a unique technical contribution to the history of Arabic grammar in Europe, to the perception of Arabic language and of its linguistic categories, and to the knowledge of the Orientalist milieu of late Renaissance Europe as a whole.”

Sara Fani, Università di Napoli “L’Orientale” in: Eurasian Studies Volume19, Issue 2(2021).
About the Author Robert Jones, PhD (1988), London University, SOAS; MPhil (1981) Warburg Institute; Bernard Quaritch Ltd (1984-2005), director Islamic Department; library formation and promotion for The Arcadian Library (with Oxford University Press) and The Heritage Library, Doha. Independent bookselling and research (2006-present).