Fouad Sezgin’s History of Arabic Heritage is a primary reference for understanding our Arab heritage in all its sciences, not just literature. It takes you on a long journey through history, during which you discover the sciences and knowledge left by our ancestors, which were pioneering in many fields. The author narrates this enjoyable journey in his introduction, saying:
Fifteen years ago, I decided to compile a supplement to the manuscripts of Istanbul libraries for the valuable book “History of Arabic Literature” by Carl Brockelmann.
c. brockelmann geschichte der arabischen litterarur
This was the impetus that prompted me to undertake this book. When I started this work, it never occurred to me that it was an adventure I had embarked upon, and there is no doubt that this feeling also afflicted those who preceded me in this field. However, when the researcher sees the dimensions of his work and realizes the true difficulties that stand in his way, his connection to his subject becomes strong, especially if the material he has collected is abundant, and he – therefore – cannot retract it.