Which dessert is named after the heroic third-century Queen Zenobia of Palmyra? Which luscious rice pudding shares its name with the eighth-century Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun? How does one make the perfect Baqlawah? Blending cookery with culture and recipes with history, this is the fascinating and delectable story of traditional Arab sweets. The authors here take us on a culinary journey across Iraq, Syria, Egypt and al-Andalus, presenting readers with clear and easy-to-recreate recipes from across the medieval Arab world. Filling the tables of caliphs and noblemen, these sumptuous desserts of saffron and rose water conjure the opulence and grandeur of the medieval Islamic world. Bringing together tenth- to fourteenth-century Arabic texts, the authors retrace the history of these sweet dishes, reviving the original recipes and following their development and influence over the centuries into non-Arabic speaking lands. Honey, dates, figs and pomegranates are just a few ingredients featured in this exquisite selection of mouth-watering desserts which have been modernised for cooks to try at home, all woven together with medieval poems and stories. From delicious pastries, filled with pistachios and fragrant syrups, to luscious puddings, biscuits, and pies, it is the ideal addition to any kitchen. A unique insight into Middle Eastern culinary history, this book is a must-have for anyone with a sweet tooth.

In the celestial realm of Paradise, the atmosphere has grown somber. Nightly discussions among Arab scholars, spanning from the classical to the medieval periods and even the present day, have reached an impasse. Conversations aimed at finding solutions for the earthly world below seem increasingly futile, as if history’s lessons have been forgotten or ignored. The vibrant mood once prevalent in Paradise has given way to listlessness and gloom. But what if the key to reigniting joy and inspiration lies in an age-old universal tradition: sharing a meal? That’s right, a food contest! Celestial Dining to Entice: An Arab Food Contest in Paradise aims to shift the narrative from despair to delight. Scholars present their chosen medieval Arab dishes, each accompanied by personal stories that reveal who they are and why they’ve selected their dish. The contest does more than just brighten the atmosphere; it serves as a poignant reminder that history may have its lessons, but food possesses the timeless power to unite and uplift. Experience a celestial gathering where heavenly flavours meet earthly concerns, and discover how even in Paradise, the simple joy of sharing a meal can transform the spirit.

In this storybook-cookbook the authors translate some of the 1001 Arabian Nights stories Scheherazade recounted for Shahryar and adapt ancient recipes for the traditional sweet treats mentioned in them. This vibrant, lovely book brings modern cooks delicacies from one of the world’s magnificent civilizations. The classic tales of romance and passion in The 1001 Arabian Nights still ignite imaginations centuries after they were written. Within them we learn of the vibrant life of Baghdad, Damascus, and Cairo in the 9th century—and of its many appetites. Food in these stories is currency, temptation, sustenance, and more. In this treasure trove are Aladdin and his magic lamp, outrageous accounts of philandering spouses who get their comeuppance, wealthy merchants, poor beggars, and beautiful women who bring out the best and worst in their men. And with the accompanying recipes you’ll enjoy creating succulent, exquisite morsels to delight those lucky enough to taste them. The Sweets of Araby is a wondrous literary and culinary gem that will take its place among your favorite books and cookbooks. Let it inspire you to create delicacies that will dazzle, excite, and seduce your family and friends.

A collection of traditional Syrian recipes from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of which have never before been available in English.

Naǧīb ad-Dīn as-Samarqandīs (st. 619/1222) Buch der Nahrungsmittel und Getränke (Kitāb al-Aġḏiya wa-l-ašriba) ist ein umfassendes medizinisches Lexikon mit Informationen zu über 500 verschiedenen Nahrungsmitteln, Speisen, Getränken und Duftstoffen. Es kann als letzte große arabische Monografie zur Diätetik im islamischen Osten angesehen werden und stellt vermutlich eines der am weitesten verbreiteten vormodernen arabischen Bücher zum Thema Ernährung dar. In Nahrungsmittel in der arabischen Medizin bietet Juliane Müller eine textkritische Edition des Kitāb al-Aġḏiya wa-l-ašriba mit deutscher Übersetzung. Anschließend verorten Kapitel zur Textgenese und Rezeption des Werks sowie zu seinen ernährungsmedizinischen Inhalten as-Samarqandīs Nahrungsmittellexikon in seinem Kontext innerhalb der arabischen Medizinliteratur. Najīb ad-Dīn as-Samarqandī’s (d. 619/1222) Book on Foods and Drinks (Kitāb al-Aghḏiya wa-l-ashriba) is a comprehensive medical encyclopedia with information on more than 500 different food items, dishes, drinks and fragrances. It can be considered to be the last major Arabic monograph on dietetics in the Islamic East and it probably rates among the most widespread premodern Arabic books on the subject of nutrition science. In Nahrungsmittel in der arabischen Medizin, Juliane Müller presents a critical edition of the Kitāb al-Aghḏiya wa-l-ashriba along with a German translation of the text. An extensive contextual study locates the book and its dietetic contents within Arabic medical literature and examines the sources and the reception of as-Samarqandī's food encyclopedia.

Platinotype: Making Photographs in Platinum and Palladium with the Contemporary Printing-out Process describes the mechanisms and chemistry of platinum/palladium printing in safe and practical ways. Clearly presented formulae allow the printer to work with platinum, palladium, or varying combinations of both. The printed-out image appears fully during exposure, and only requires simple and safe steps for clearing to a stable, archival state. The authors explain what makes the image, how all necessary components are prepared and used, and the kind of paper and negative needed to make prints. More than just a technical manual, the book underscores the authors' belief that printing is a creative, scientific, and philosophic way of working. The book presents an outstanding collection of prints by over 40 artists, all made with this printing-out process. The artists' notes and comments offer insights into their methods and thinking, and a large number of full-page reproductions serve as a valuable reference for the aspiring printer. The book includes: A list of supplies and equipment A detailed chemical glossary A Quick-start section in the Preface Summary sheets and workflows for each step of the process Instructions for making traditional negatives with Pyro PMK and digital negatives Explanation of the chemistry and dynamics of paper, and how to use buffered papers Instructions for controlling hydration processes and humidity Instructions for preparing each chemical solution needed for the process Discussion about the aesthetics of the platinum/palladium print Explanation of the relationships between light, image, and expression A detailed troubleshooting list Recommendations from conservators about processing, handling, and conservation Contemporary artists using the printing-out platinum/palladium process. Learning how to make platinum/palladium prints has been cloaked in a mystique of difficulty. Platinotype presents the process as a set of clearly explained and defined steps. Like other books in the series, Platinotype is a detailed and inspiring manual, accessible to both novices and experts, and illustrative of the contemporary arts.