UID:
almafu_9959239396002883
Format:
1 online resource (360 p.)
Edition:
1st ed.
ISBN:
1-280-91495-5
,
9786610914951
,
90-474-0497-1
,
1-4294-1457-X
Series Statement:
Islamic history and civilization. Studies and texts, v. 52
Content:
This book is the first comprehensive study of the Arabic documents uncovered in Quseir, Upper Egypt, during the 1980s. The hundreds of paper fragments shed light on activities and operations of a family shipping business on the Red Sea shore in the thirteenth century. Part One is an introductory essay on historical and cultural context of these documents. The three chapters deal with, respectively, the "Sheikh's house," where the documents were found, the Red Sea commerce as reflected in the trade activities around the house, and aspects of popular culture as revealed through the texts. Part Two comprises a critical edition of eighty-four Arabic texts, the majority of which have never been published before, with translation and commentary.
Note:
Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph
,
Intro -- Contents -- Preface -- Abbreviations -- List of Plates -- Part One -- Chapter One: The "Sheikh's House" -- The Family: A Household Divided -- The Company: Associates and Employees -- Clients: Suppliers, Buyers, Officials, Pilgrims, and Others -- Chapter Two: The Red Sea Commerce at Quseir -- Weights and Measures -- Grain: Quantity and Prices -- Other Commodities: No More Spices? -- Trade Patterns and Business Practices -- The Quest for Money -- The Trade Routes -- Chapter Three: Life, Death, and God: Aspects of Popular Belief and Culture -- "Funeral Texts": Sermons and Prayers -- "Healing Texts": Block Printed Amulets and Handwritten Charms -- Astrological Dials -- Concluding Remarks: The Red Sea Trade on the Eve of the "World System" -- Part Two -- Chapter Four: The Documents -- Classification of the Texts -- Paleography -- Language -- Chapter Five: Edition -- Commercial Letters -- Shipping Notes -- Accounts -- Official and Semi-Official Correspondence -- Private Letters -- Miscellanies -- Select Bibliography -- Index of Manuscripts and Text Editions -- Index of Documents -- General Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- Q -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W -- Y -- Z.
,
English
Additional Edition:
ISBN 90-04-13747-5
Language:
English
