For the first time in English; a catalog of the world through fourteenth-century Arab eyes—a kind of Schott’s Miscellany for the Islamic Golden Age An astonishing record of the knowledge of a civilization; The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition catalogs everything known to exist from the perspective of a fourteenth-century Egyptian scholar and litterateur. More than 9;000 pages and thirty volumes—here abridged to one volume; and translated into English for the first time—it contains entries on everything from medieval moon-worshipping cults; sexual aphrodisiacs; and the substance of clouds; to how to get the smell of alcohol off one’s breath; the deliciousness of cheese made from buffalo milk; and the nesting habits of flamingos. Similar works by Western authors; including Pliny’s Natural History; have been available in English for centuries. This groundbreaking translation of a remarkable Arabic text—expertly abridged and annotated—offers a look at the world through the highly literary and impressively knowledgeable societies of the classical Islamic world. Meticulously arranged and delightfully eclectic; it is a compendium to be treasured—a true monument of erudition.For more than seventy years; Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1;700 titles; Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors; as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
#62442 in Books Sun-tzu/ Minford; John (TRN) 2009-04-28 2009-04-28Original language:ChinesePDF # 1 7.70 x .70 x 5.10l; .55 #File Name: 0143105752384 pagesPenguin Books
Review
405 of 418 people found the following review helpful. It is a book meant for good.By CustomerI want to tell future readers of this book in this way. I read it first when I was 14 or 15. I thought it was a book on how to smartly fight a war. Then I re-read it when I was 28 and it occurred to me that it may be an instruction book on how to navigate an honorable life. Years passed and I recently found it at the bottom of a box in my closet. I read it again at age 56. I realized it has more to offer. If you read this book; you will actively have to replace Sun Tzus' ancient terms and placement of hierarchy and apply them to modern situations and people. Family; bosses; neighbors; employees and the list goes on. It is my belief that this "manual" can help solve minor and major disruptions in life if used correctly. It is a book meant for good.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Success through the agesBy RitacFlipping through it I glean bits and pieces of an organized mind. I can easily understand why this book has existed for more than 2000 years. My intention is to read it a little at a time so that I absorb some of the philosophy. I am not interested in war but I am interested I how men think and plan; this should be an excellent guidebook.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. GoodBy UnknownOutlines Sun Tzu in plain English. Highly recommended.
