Al-Firuzabadi, Al-Qamus al-Muhit, ('The Great Dictionary'), Eastern Mediterranean, circa 1400 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 426 leaves plus 2 flyleaves, 35 lines to the page, written in small Naskh script, key words and letters picked out in red or in larger black ink, chapter headings in gold throughout, subheadings in blue, catchwords, margins ruled in colours and gold, f.1a with an illuminated headpiece with heading in gold ornamental Kufic script against a ground of scrolling gold leaves flanked by panels of geometric and foliate motifs with a strapwork border, later red morocco with applied floral-stamped corner pieces and cartrouches   

In generally good overall condition, some areas of waterstaining, particularly to final pages, a few smudges, pages generally clean and calligraphy bold, a few paper repairs, later binding with repair, 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."

Al-Firuzabadi was born in 1328 near Shiraz, but was educated in Baghdad until travelling to Jerusalem in 1349. After a decade he went on to travel across the Islamic World, to such places as Cairo, Anatolia, Mecca, Yemen and even Delhi. He wrote widely, particularly in the field of lexicography, and the present work, his al-Qamus al-Muhit (literally 'The Expansive Ocean'), was so popular that the word qamus came to be adopted as the standard Arabic term for 'encyclopaedia' or 'dictionary'.