BOHADINUS, Yusuf ibn Raffi ibn Shaddad, known as (1145-1234). Vita et res gestae Sultani,

BOHADINUS, Yusuf ibn Raffi ibn Shaddad, known as (1145-1234). Vita et res gestae Sultani, almalichi alnasiri, Saladini. Edited and translated by Albert Schultens. Leiden: Samuel Luchtmans, 1732. 4 parts in one volume, 2º (345 x 222mm.). Title printed in red and black, parallel Arabic and Latin text printed in two columns. (Title and some leaves [e.g. G-H2, M-M2] re-margined probably at an early date, light browning.) Contemporary blind-stamped vellum, manuscript title on the spine (front joint split but holding, lower joint starting to split). Provenance: Franciscus Höck (signature) -- Arabic inscription in blank margin of the colophon.

FIRST EDITION OF THIS IMPORTANT, FIRST-HAND BIOGRAPHY OF SALADIN, and one of the most valuable chronicles of the Third Crusade. 'The enthusiasm with which every thing about [Saladin] is narrated, and the anecdotes which the author, from his own personal knowledge, is able to communicate respecting that extraordinary character, give his work a great degree of interest' (Enc. Britannica, Suppl. II [1824], p. 352f). Translated by Schultens, who was the first curator of oriental manuscripts and printed books at Leiden University. Gay 2238.

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