Rediscovering the Islamic Classics: How Editors and Print Culture Transformed an Intellectual Tradition

The Rediscovering the Islamic Classics book is a groundbreaking work that revolutionizes our understanding of Islamic literature and its impact on modern Arab culture.

This comprehensive study reveals the fascinating story of how a small group of editors and intellectuals transformed the literary landscape of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Arab cities, particularly Cairo, by bringing forgotten works of Islamic thought into print and defining the classical canon of Islamic scholarship.

Through their tireless efforts to recover, disseminate, and harness these works for agendas of linguistic, ethical, and religious reform, these individuals played a central role in shaping the intellectual history of the modern Arab world.

With meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the subject matter, Ahmed El Shamsy's account is an absorbing examination of the central role printing and its advocates played in the development of Islamic scholarship.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world and the ways in which it continues to shape contemporary society.