The Civilization of the Arabs

BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD 2016
1. Bibliographic Data
Author
Le Bon, Gustave (1841-1931)
Title
The Civilization of the Arabs
Statement of responsibility
By Gustave Le Bon
Place of publication
Barcelona
Publisher
Montaner & Simón, Publishers
Series
Not identified
Printer
Montaner & Simón
Date
1886
Imprint (isbd)
Barcelona : Montaner & Simón, Publishers, 1886
Language
Spanish
Edition
Illustrated edition
Alternative title
The Civilization of the Arabs
Short title
The Civilization of the Arabs
Original work
La Civilisation des Arabes
Original language
French
Translator
Luis Carreras
Print run
Not identified
2. Physical Description
Collation
328 pages
Illustrations
Yes, numerous engravings inserted throughout the text
Maps
Not identified
Format
Large folio
Dimensions
32 × 23 cm
Printer's signatures
Not identified
Paper type
Good-quality industrial paper
Watermarks
Not identified
Printing condition
Very good; complete and fully legible text
3. Binding
Binding type
Original publisher's binding
Materials
Red cloth stamped with polychrome and gilt decoration
Decoration
Rich neo-Arabic and Mudéjar-inspired ornamental compositions on covers and spine
Spine
Decorated with gilt motifs and stamped title
Endpapers
Original
Binding condition
Very good, with minor signs of use consistent with its age
4. Contents
Main contents
Historical, cultural, scientific and artistic study of Arab civilization
Subjects covered
History of the Arab peoples, Islamic religion, science, philosophy, architecture, literature, art, and the influence of Arab civilization in East and West
Characteristics
Work based on the author's travels and research, illustrated with engravings derived from photographs and historical documents
Purpose of the work
To explain the development, apogee and decline of Arab civilization and its contribution to universal culture
5. General Notes
Notes
Spanish translation of the French work by Gustave Le Bon
Notes
Published by Montaner & Simón as part of its luxury illustrated publishing programme
Notes
Contains numerous architectural, historical and ethnographic engravings
Notes
Includes an introduction and a translator's preface by Luis Carreras
Notes
Retains its original publisher's binding of outstanding artistic quality
6. Subjects
Subjects
Arab civilization
Subjects
History of Islam
Subjects
Islamic culture
Subjects
Medieval history
Subjects
Islamic architecture
Subjects
Orientalism
Subjects
History of science
Subjects
History of art
Subjects
Ethnography
7. Copy Record
Shelf mark
2016
Condition
Very good
Provenance
Biblioteca de Alfred Gallart i Genis
Ownership marks
Not identified
Handwritten annotations
Not identified
Copy notes
Preserves its spectacular original publisher's binding with polychrome and gilt decoration inspired by Neo-Arabic design, one of the finest examples of Montaner & Simón's artistic book production during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Complete copy in very good condition.