'Tales from the East' showcases rare first editions in Sharjah

Sharjah Book Authority

Antique books and early manuscripts worth AED 60 million are going on display at Sharjah’s "Tales from the East" exhibition today.

The show was opened by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The exhibits include a first edition of the nineteenth century Description of Egypt, comprising of 23 volumes and illustrated with 935 plates, charting Napoleon Bonaparte's joourney to North Africa.

Another display features the eighteenth century first edition of The Mirror of the World. Katib Celebi’s masterpiece was published in Constantinople by Ibrahim Muteferrika in 1732 and is illustrated with 40 coloured plates, including the famous map of the Arabian peninsula drawn by Ahmed Al-Qirimi. It also contains astrological models of the universe, climate and wind charts.

In addition, an exceptional pair of terrestrial and celestial 49cm coloured parquet globes by Mattaheus Greuter, dated 1632 and 1636 are showcased.

The event also features antique posters and atlases as well as discussions with historians and archaeologists.

It will be open to visitors every evening for four hours from 8:00 pm until May 3 at the Sharjah Book Authority's headquarters.

 

More from Entertainment

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • Starting up with Virtuzone

    10:00am - 11:00am

    Starting Up is back, with a fresh new edition in a brand-new timeslot every Tuesday from 10am-11am.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!