Shams-al-Din Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad al-Dhahabi (d.1348 AD), Volume III of Tarikh al-Islam wa tabaqat al-mashahir (a history of Islam), Egypt or Syria, Mamluk, early 15th century

Arabic manuscript on thick cream paper, 148 leaves plus 5 flyleaves, 29 lines to the page, written in a scholar's hand in black ink, keywords and titles in red, catchwords, folio 1a with title in thuluth script against a blue and gold-ground foliate panel, an ensuite lobed cartouche beneath, later red leather binding with central medallion filled with interlacing vines and chinoiserie cloud bands, marbled doublures, with flap

Acquired in the early 20^th century by a European scholar of Middle Eastern Studies

In fairly good overall condition, text block is almost detached from spine, paper repairs, worm holes and loose pages, occasional stains but pages generally clean, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This volume of Tarikh al-Islam wa tabaqat al-mashahir, written within a hundred years of the author's death in 1348 AD, begins with tabaqah (class) XIV, and reaches the end of tabaqah XVI, covering the years 131-154 AH/748-770 AD. The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, does not have a copy of this work but owns a supplement to the work entitled Dhail Tarikh al-Islam, see A. Arberry, A Handlist of the Arabic Manuscripts, volume V, Dublin 1962, p. 32, no. 4100. See also Brockelmann, GAL, Suppl. ii, 45.