Die Ssabier und der Ssabismus (Cambridge Library Collection - Spiritualism and Esoteric Knowledge) (Volume 2) (German Edition) - Softcover

Chwolson, Daniil Avraamovich

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108027598 ISBN 13: 9781108027595

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2011

Synopsis

The Ssabians were a Middle Eastern community (or possibly two separate communities) mentioned in the Qur'an and early Islamic writings, and categorised variously as 'people of the book' or 'heathens'. They are documented almost exclusively in Arabic sources, and this rare 1856 book, published in German in St Petersburg, remains an invaluable reference work about them, and includes substantial extracts from the early sources. The book aroused the interest of the theosophists in the 1890s owing to its portrayal of a mysterious and secretive Syriac- or Aramaic-speaking pagan sect, accomplished in astronomy and medicine, that functioned as an intellectual intermediary between the Greek and Arabic worlds. Volume 2 introduces the main sources and presents selections from forty-five texts, with variant readings, German translations and detailed notes. They include a wide variety of genres, ranging from religion, philosophy, literature and autobiography to historical, geographical, legal and lexicographic works.

About this title

Book Description:

This 1856 publication remains the most comprehensive study of the Ssabian communities of the Middle East during the early Islamic period. The Ssabians' beliefs and rituals were shrouded in mystery but their astronomers and physicians were highly regarded throughout the region. Volume 2 contains selected texts, with translations and notes.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1108027598
• ISBN 13: 9781108027595
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 972