Selections from the Kur-an,

early and authentic translation

Edward William Lane (1801-1876) was a British Orientalist and very keen Egyptologist whose life had been dedicated to learning about the people, language and customs of the Egyptians. He moved to Cairo in 1825 and completely immersed himself into life in Egypt, living in the Muslim quarters, speaking Arabic fluently and adopting the local dress. His Account of the Manners and Custom of the Egyptians (1835) was an instant success as it offered an authentic and detailed insight into the close observations he made during his time there. Furthermore, Lane believed that Middle Eastern literary works contained valuable material and that they should be shared with the English reading population in the West and turned to translations. He undertook the vast Thousand and One Nights, which were published in 3 volumes in 1839-41, as well as this Kur-an which was published in 1843.

First edition, 8vo ( 225 x 150mm), publisher's advertisement leaf at the end, very faint spots to preliminary leaves else very clean internal condition, original blind-stamped decorated publisher's green cloth, spine lettered in gilt, hinges strengthened, spine a little sunned, extremities lightly rubbed.