The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is taking place in the UAE’s capital city from May 22 to 28, and aims to offer a range of historical, literary, and other relics.
Hypnerotomachia poliphili: all eyes on it
The centerpiece of this year’s exhibition is the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, A book printed less than 100 years after the invention the printing press. This Renaissance encyclopedia contains the world’s first printed Arabic text, and it is decorated with impressive woodcuts. It also boasts two of the world’s first three Arabic inscriptions.
Aldus Manutius, a Venetian printer, published a stunning coloured Hypnerotomachia Politphili in 1499. Aldus’s only illustrated work, 600 copies of which 230 are still in existence, were printed. This copy was colored in the middle 16th century. It was published 50+ years ago. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/vXzui85MQh
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According to Pomm HarringtonOwner of the famous Peter Harrington bookshop This work is not only valuable for its historical importance, but for its beauty as well. Its appeal is enhanced by the inclusion of Arabic in a printed form for the first-time, and the intricate woodcuts accompanying two of the inscriptions. Woodcuts – a printing process using wooden blocks carved with designs – played a major role in creating the illustrations. One in particular depicts a hero’s journey through three doors, symbolizing the quest for universal knowledge. “It additionally honours Arabic as one of the world’s four sacred languages alongside Greek, Roman and Hebrew,” said the owner of the book.
The book fair also featured other historical gems
Additional to the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, Other literary works are also being presented at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The first Arabic dictionary to be printed in the Arab World is one of them. The French-Arabic vocabulary by Jean Joseph Marcels Published in Cairo, 1798 to support Napoleon’s campaigns in Egypt. First edition of two fundamental grammars is another important work. Thomas Erpenius, Which had a major influence on Arabic studies in Western countries