Konrad Hirschler Bücher

This book discusses the largest private book collection of the pre-Ottoman Arabic Middle East for which we have both a paper trail and a surviving corpus of the manuscripts that once sat on its shelves: the Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī Library of Damascus

The study offers a unique theoretical perspective on the social contexts and narrative structures of pre-modern Islamic historiography, focusing on Arabic texts from seventh and thirteenth century Syria and Egypt. It explores how historical narratives were shaped by their cultural and social environments, providing insights into the historiographical practices of the time.

Focusing on the Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī Library of Damascus, this book explores the significance of a major private collection from the pre-Ottoman Arabic Middle East. It examines how the library served as a means for its owner to preserve and celebrate a scholarly heritage tied to his personal and communal identity. The text introduces a fresh perspective on Arabic book culture, provides a critical edition of a key medieval book list, and offers insights into the mobility of endowed books, all while including a color reproduction of the complete catalogue.

Delving into the unique private book collection from medieval Jerusalem, this work offers insights into the cultural, religious, and intellectual life of the era. It examines the significance of the texts, their historical context, and the individuals who curated this rare collection. By highlighting the intersection of faith and scholarship, the book reveals how these works reflect the diverse influences of the time, making it an invaluable resource for understanding medieval Jewish history and literature.

Using a variety of documentary, narrative and normative sources, this title explores the growth of reading audiences in a pre-print culture. It examines the accessibility and profile of libraries. It looks at popular reading practices, often associated with the notion of the illicit.