Sacred Books of the East, Volume 6: Introduction

What it is

This is the introduction to a volume covering sacred books and early literature of the medieval Arabs, Moors, and Turks. It discusses al-Biruni and quotes from his work on chronology.

Why it matters

This later scholarly work shows how al-Biruni was remembered and studied by writers long after his death, praising him as more than just a historian. It reveals how his reputation as a scientist and chronologist persisted into later centuries and influenced how Arabic scholarship was understood by later readers.

Look closer

• Why might a later writer want to highlight that al-Biruni was "far more than a historian"?
• What does this text suggest about how al-Biruni's work was valued by later scholars?
• What questions would you want to ask about the author's own perspective and goals?