The case is still under investigation, according to the authority
uae16 hours ago
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, taking place in the Capital from May 22 - 28, featuring a wide range of books and publishers, has on sale a rare gem: A 15th-century European book – often described as the most beautifully illustrated book of the European Renaissance – with the first Arabic words ever printed.
“We have one of the earliest books ever printed in the world in our exhibit this year – the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, published within the first 100 years of the invention of printing and considered to be the most beautiful illustrated book of the European Renaissance. It features the very first published appearance of Arabic words anywhere in the world, two of the three inscriptions accompanied by beautiful woodcuts. It additionally honours Arabic as one of the world’s four sacred languages alongside Greek, Roman and Hebrew. It is a book that would take pride of place in any Middle Eastern museum collection, not just for its aesthetic beauty but for its historical significance,” says Pom Harrington, owner of the rare book seller Peter Harrington.
There are three Arabic inscriptions in the text, the first not illustrated, the other two accompanied by woodcuts. One of the illustrations shows the protagonist arriving at three gates, symbolising three entrances to universal knowledge, above which are carved epigraphs in Greek, Roman, Hebrew, and Arabic characters.
Other rare books associated with the early significance of the Arabic language include:
- The exceedingly rare first Arabic dictionary printed in the Arab world, Jean-Joseph Marcel’s Vocabulaire français-arabe, printed in Cairo in 1798 to aid Napoleon’s efforts – £37,500
- First editions of two foundational grammars by Thomas Erpenius instrumental in the western study of Arabic – £9,750
ALSO READ:
The case is still under investigation, according to the authority
uae16 hours ago
Astrotourism, art venture, gami-vacation are some of the predicted travel trends next year
uae21 hours ago
Saeed Salem Al Heabsi has a room in his home in Abu Dhabi that resembles a museum, showcasing a collection of rare items
uae21 hours ago
The labour law ensures a fair balance between the rights and obligations of employers and employees; here's what it says about overtime work
uae21 hours ago
The entire world is looking forward to the Council playing its intended role in maintaining international peace and security, it said
uae1 day ago
The vessel was 10 nautical miles from Zirku Island
uae1 day ago
The MEED Project Awards, regarded as the gold standard in the MENA region since 2007, celebrate the best in engineering, innovation, and sustainability
uae1 day ago
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor's donation to Al Jalila Foundation will also be used to renovate the nephrology unit at Dubai Hospital
uae1 day ago