The Book of the Himyarites. Fragments of a Hitherto Unknown Syriac Work
London: Lund, C. W. K. Gleerup, 1924. Ex-Library First edition. Hardcover. Quarto. clxxii pages, viii plates, 61pp. Original gray paper-covered boards with black lettering on cover and spine, publisher's device on cover and title page. "In offering now, at last, the present volume to the public it has been my main object to give an absolutely trustworthy edition of the text of the remains of the Book of the Himyarites... The translation is intended to bring this text, in a practically speaking exact form, within the reach also of him who is not acquainted with the Syriac language. In this translation, therefore, the portions restored by way of conjecture, or the reading of which is doubtful, are enclosed between brackets... It was thus my endeavour to lay a sure basis for further investigation, and to facilitate the study of this new source to the history of Arabia and the struggle of religions and nations there." (Moberg).
The Kingdom of Himyar was a kingdom in ancient Yemen, 100 BC to 525 AD. Around 380 AD the Himyarite kings converted from polytheism to Judaism. During the reign of Marthad'ïlãn Yanüf the kingdom became a tributary state of Aksum with Ma'dïkarib Yafur (519–522 AD), a Christian, appointed by the Aksumites. Illustrated with eight lithograph facsimile reproductions of fragments. Includes appendix of names of persons and places, notes on the text, and the Syriac text itself. Text in English and Syriac. Light wear along edges of binding, small chips at head and tail of spine, with cover protected by shrink wrap. Library sticker on spine, library stamps at top and bottom edges and last page. Library bookplate on inside front, library pocket on inside back cover. Slightly starting at title page. Light age-toning of block. Binding and interior in overall good to good+ condition. g to g+. Item #46000
Price: $475.00