Bücher veröffentlicht von Cosimo Classics

On the Origins of Money is a discussion of the history of money and currency, from its crudest form as cowrie shells, animal pelts, and salt in early societies to the coin and paper money we use today. Rather than focusing on the type or shape of the money, author and economist Carl Menger looks at the reasons behind monetary exchange and why money is so valuable (or where it gets its inherent value). His argument centers on the "e;saleableness"e; of the goods or commodities being sold-in other words, the more "e;saleable"e; (or valuable or in demand) an item is, the more money it is worth. Hence, money gets its value from the objects it pays for. This short work is an insightful look into the history and value of money for any student or professional economist.

Baedeker's Egypt is the 17th century traveler's quintessential guide to Egypt. Rich in detail of the sights, history, and culture of the country, even travelers today would be impressed with the advice Baedeker gives and the background he supplies. With information on hotels, public safety, cafés, geology and climate, and ancient through modern history, in addition to chapters on specific regions, one vacationing in Egypt today might enjoy using the old-fashioned guide for advice in their travels (though probably should skip the hotel recommendations).KARL BAEDEKER (1801-1859) was a German publisher who had been born as the son of a print-maker in Prussia. His publishing company, Baedeker, set the gold standard for travel and guidebooks of his time. Influenced by the style of English publisher John Murray (who had published Romantic greats like Jane Austen, Charles Darwin, Lord Byron, and Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle, among others), his books became known for their accuracy and detail, which not only included price and transportation information, but also starred ratings for tourist attractions.

A Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Medinah and Meccah, written in 1855, is British author and explorer Richard Burton's account of his own attempt at a Hajj, or Muslim journey to Mecca. Though not Muslim himself, Burton's years spent in British India as a soldier in the army familiarized him with Muslim customs and behavior. He came up with the idea of making a Hajj while traveling disguised among Sindhi Muslims, and prepared and studied extensively for the trip, even getting circumcised to further prevent discovery. While Burton was not the first non-Muslim to make the journey to Mecca, his account is the most well-known of the time, and it is the work which made him famous. Presented here as two volumes in one, this harrowing true tale will delight fans of Burton and his work.British author, soldier, and adventurer CAPTAIN SIR RICHARD FRANCIS BURTON (1821-1890)was notoriously remembered for his scandalously unexpurgated translations of The Arabian Nights and the Kama Sutra, which scandalized and titillated Victorian readers. Other works of his include the translation of classic Hindu stories of magic and romance, Vikram and the Vampire or Tales of Hindu Devilry, journals of his globetrotting exploits through Africa and the Middle East, such as The Lake Regions of Central Africa, and his history on the sword, The Book of the Sword, written out of his love for fencing and weaponry.

A Grammar of the Arabic Language is a detailed Arabic grammar tutorial, originally written in German by Carl Caspari and translated by British Orientalist William Wright. Often referred to today as Wright's Grammar, the second edition was altered and added to by Wright, and this third (and original final) edition was edited by famous Orientalists M.J. de Goeje and W. Robertson Smith. Wright consulted numerous Arabic sources when making additions and corrections to the work, and as such it is still useful today to students of the Arabic language.WILLIAM WRIGHT (1830-1889) was a British Orientalist and professor of Arabic at Cambridge University. His works are still researched and studied today by students of Arabic and Syriac. His most popular works remain A Grammar of the Arabic Language and the Short History of Syriac Literature. His writings are held today by the British Library and Cambridge University.

Baghdad During the Abbasid Caliphate was first published in 1900 and is, according to the author, the first attempt at a complete history and topographic outline of the city of Baghdad during the reign of the Abbasids, who ruled from 750 to 1258 A.D. In addition to including a chronological timetable, this work contains the history of the foundation of Baghdad, the building of the canals, gates, roads, trenches, quarters, and palaces (all in great detail), and descriptions of the early, middle, and late periods of the Abbasid Caliphate. This work is ideal for scholars of ancient world and Middle East history, especially those interested in early studies of Islam.GUY LE STRANGE (1854-1933) was born in Hunstanton, Norfolk, England, as the youngest son of Henry L'Estrange Styleman. He studied Arabic and Persian at the College de France in Paris, after which he spent many years traveling and living abroad in Persia, Florence, and Palestine. He settled in Cambridge in 1907, where he contributed to The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, of which he was a member until his death. Le Strange was the editor and translator of several well-known books on the Middle East and Islam, establishing him as one of the most recognized historical geographers of medieval Islam to write in English.

A mere three chapters, Islâm is an introduction to the Islamic faith and human spirituality. This short but informative primer contains words of wisdom about the human condition and spiritual liberty; the meaning, laws, customs, practices, and rules of Islam; a biography of Muhammad and the history of Islamic rule; and the sects and churches of Islam. Perfect for anyone who needs a quick introduction to the Muslim faith, Islâm is an easy-to-read guidebook for newcomers and casual scholars.SYED AMEER ALI (1849-1928) was an Indian Muslim who wrote several books about Islamic history and practice, as well as Islamic law. A respected jurist himself, and a descendant of Mohammad, Ali's words were extremely influential. He achieved honors in school, began a legal practice in Calcutta, and was one of the most accomplished Muslims of his time before he moved to London at age 20. When he returned to Calcutta in 1873, he continued his law practice, became a law professor at Calcutta University, and founded the Central National Mohammedan Association in 1877, a political organization central to promoting modern Muslim thought. Ali moved back to London in 1904, establishing the London Muslim League in 1908 and the first London mosque in 1910. Ali continued to write and make breakthroughs for Muslims until his death in 1928.