Description: Part of the Great Books of Islamic Civilization series, this 8th-century satire on miserliness has a clear social purpose, while its comical power will appeal to modern readers.

Al-Jahiz (AH160/AD 776 TO AH 225/AD 869) was one of the greatest exponents of Arabic prose of all time. His scholarship, the breadth of his interests, and his ability to express his ideas and arguments with vigour and humour were outstanding. The Book of Misers is his comical masterpiece, and one of the earliest works of fiction from the Islamic world. Generosity is regarded by Arab society as one of the principle virtues, and this satire on miserliness has a clear social purpose. With his acute powers of observation, light-hearted scepticism, comic sense and satirical turn of mind, he ridicules both individuals and groups. It will appeal to the modern reader for its comical power, which remains undiminished 1,100 years after it was written, and for the incidental detail about traditional culture and conduct.

The present translation makes this work available to the English-speaking world for the first time.

Please Wait