A Literary History of the Arabs

A compilation of the history of Islamic authors and writings A Literary History of the Arabs is considered one of the best explanations of Arabic culture and literature today. R.A. Nicholson explains in the books preface that Islamic literature contains within it references to figureheads and cultural understandings that would stump all English readers unaware of Arabic history and beliefs. Nicholson outlines within all the necessary information to begin understanding English translations of Arabic works. Written for students the political intellectual and religious notions presented are useful for any modern study of Arabic literature. REYNOLD ALLEYNE NICHOLSON (1868-1945) was an English scholar of Islamic literature and mysticism. Born in Yorkshire England Nicholson attended Aberdeen University and the University of Cambridge for Arabic studies. He taught Persian language and Arabic culture at Cambridge and was considered a leading scholar in Islamic studies. Not only did Nicholson translate major texts from various Arabic languages he also wrote two widely-regarded books on Islam: A Literary History of The Arabs and The Mystics of Islam. In addition Nicholson produced the first English translation and commentary of Rumis Masnavi an impressive and respected fete.