The Arab World Thought of It: Inventions, Innovations, and Amazing Facts - Hardcover

Hussain, Saima S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554514770 ISBN 13: 9781554514779

Publisher: Annick Press, 2013

Synopsis

Ink-filled pens, mattresses, and bars of soap—these are only some of the inventions and innovations that have been passed down through the millennia from the peoples of Arab lands. Readers may be surprised to learn that they have also given us • the scalpel • planetariums • three-course meals As in the other titles in this series, The Arab World Thought of It uses stunning photos and well-researched information to provide an overview of contributions made in the fields of medicine, architecture, food, and education. Also included is a look at accomplishments in the areas of engineering, transportation, and oil production. Complete with maps, timeline, index, and a list of further reading, this book is an excellent starting point for the exploration of a thriving culture.

About this title

About the Author

Raised in Saudi Arabia, Saima S. Hussain is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Munk School of Global Affairs.

Reviews

Gr 4–7—Hussain provides an enthusiastic overview of the Arab world's extensive contributions to civilization, from the universal astrolabe, an ancient computer that calculated time and the sun's exact position at any location, to the oldest university still operating today. Her prose is clear and straightforward, if slightly dry in places. Considering the breadth of subject matter, Hussain does a remarkable job of packing a significant amount of information into easily digestible entries that readers will find worthwhile. The chapter covering the long-neglected historical contributions of Arab women should prove especially valuable. The text features a brief introduction, along with maps and historical time line material, which should orient those unfamiliar with the subject. The rest of the material is not organized in any particular order, but compact chapters and an ample index make this a helpful resource nonetheless, especially considering the lack of comparable up-to-date titles about the history of the Arab world. Plentiful high-quality color photographs bring the past and present to life, complementing the book's crisp design. Back matter includes notes on the Arabic language and alphabet. Overall, a useful resource.—Ted McCoy, Springfield City Library, MA

Edition details

• Publisher: Annick Press
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1554514770
• ISBN 13: 9781554514779
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48