Arabic Authors : a Manual of Arabian History and Literature.
By F. F. Arbuthnot. (Heinemann.)—There is a great deal of in-
teresting matter in this book. Mr. Arbuthnot's object is to encourage the study of Arabic literature, and especially to revive the " Oriental Translation Fund," which, as he says, did much
good work for the half-century following 1828, and then collapsed from "apathy, neglect, and want of funds." It is an enterprise that may fairly be subsidised by the State. If £30,000 (or is it 450,000 ?) can be spent on recording the results of the `Challenger' Expedition, something might be done for the vast amount of literature that now lies hidden. Mr. Arbuthnot begins with a historical chapter, and then gives us a survey of Arabic literature. A chapter "About Muhammad" follows. Finally, we have some specimens of Arabic authors, and a very entertaining chapter of "Anecdotes and Ana." Here there is instruction as well as entertainment. Not a few of us may lay the following to heart : —" When you perceive that a man's nature is to say 4 Yea ' when you say No,' and No' when you say Yes,' compare him with an ass, because when you approach him he recedes, and when you move away, he will move towards you. You must put up with your donkey, and neither separate from him nor insult him. Deal in the same way with such a person."
Previous page
