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 book's 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 Rumi's Masnavi, an impressive and respected fete.

The Koran, literally meaning 'The Recitation' it is the central religious text for Muslims. Muslims believe the Koran was verbally revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic through the angel Gabriel over a period of approximately 23 years Muslims regard koranic revelations as the sacred word of God, intended to correct any errors in previous holy books such as the Old and New Testaments. The Koran is accepted as the foundation of Islamic law, religion, culture and politics. Some Koranic fragments have been dated as far back as the eighth, and possibly even the seventh, century. The oldest existing copy of the full text is from the ninth century. Although early variants of the Koran are known to have existed, Muslims believe that the text we have today was established shortly after the death of the Prophet by the Caliph Uthman. This superb translation by E.H.Palmer brings an appealing clarity to this ancient and revered text.

The Secrets of the Self is a book-length, philosophical poem rooted in metaphysical thought and ideology, as well as Islamic theology. Originally published in 1915, the poem speaks of the "Self" in relation to the universe, how it is the inner power and soul of each individual human. It instructs on how to improve the Self through Love and willpower, which can then help one control the forces within the universe. The poem includes stories that illustrate its points and promotes the spread of Islamic ideals. MUHAMMAD IQBAL (1877-1938) was a poet, prophet, and politician in British India. Born in Sialkot, Punjab, Iqbal converted to Islam with his family as a child. He studied literature and law at Cambridge, Munich, and Heidelberg before starting his own law practice and concentrating on his scholarly writing, which he authored primarily in Persian. Many of Iqbal's works promote Islamic revival, especially in South Asia, and he was a well-known leader of the All India Muslim League. Today, he is recognized as the official poet of Pakistan, and his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday.

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 book's 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 Rumi's Masnavi, an impressive and respected fete.