Kitab Hayat al-Hayawan [The Life of Animals].

4to (190 x 230 mm). 62 ff. Arabic manuscript on paper. Brown maghribi script in two hands with important words and phrases picked out in red and blue. With an illuminated headpiece to the first page in red, blue, green, and gilt. Contemporary full red leather with fore-edge flap ruled in gilt with medaillons. A selection from the first systematic Arabic zoological lexicon, the most famous work of the Egyptian scholar al-Damiri (1341-1405), little known in the West. In the "Hayat al-Hayawan", al-Damiri alphabetically lists over nine hundred animals mentioned in the Qur'an or known in Muslim literature. His extensive commentary explains the use of such animals in medicine, tradition, and ancient poetry: whether they can lawfully be eaten, and their role in folklore and superstition. - Al-Damiri was a Muslim writer from Mamluk-era Egypt, and his other works are largely on canon law. His natural history, however, is considered his most influential and popular writing. - Signed and dated by the scribe, Muhammad al-Makki bn Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-'Ayndaytah 'ibn al-faqira al-'Ansari al-Hazragi in Meknes, Morocco. Light exterior wear, minor soiling, chipping to the first leaf with no text loss. In good condition. A scarce and appealing piece of medieval zoology. - Cf. GAL II, 137/8.