This book consists of thirteen parts made up of excerpts from a wide range of Middle Eastern writings arranged by themes. The selection of themes reflects the personal choice and includes various sources on prejudices and stereotypes of Westerners about the Middle East and vice versa, loan words of Middle Eastern origin; aspects of public and private life such as travelers, diplomats, women, government, war, commerce, arts and science, food and drink, wisdom and prophecy. All sources are drawn on the period between the advent of Islam and the coming of modernity. Each part is preceded by a brief introduction. The sections are particularly interesting for the bulk of the information they display on particular themes and for making useful texts which can be taken as references for potential research on relevant subjects accessible in English. The reader familiarises himself with existing readings on certain areas and can draw his own conclusions on issues of continuity and change in certain practices.