Published by Primary Source Microfilm

Subjects available include the following:

• Art and architecture
• Bibliography
• Economy and society
• History
• Language and literature
• Politics, government and law
• Religion and thought
• Science, technology and medicine
• Social life and custom
• Travel and description

The collection is made more valuable by the inclusion of a large number of books illustrated with photographs, engravings, maps and other visually descriptive materials. As a result, researchers enjoy a rich, detailed presentation of the cultural, environmental and societal context. Over half of the titles filmed for this collection are printed in English, with the remainder in other Western languages including French, German, Italian and Spanish.

The collection illuminates more than the historical development of the Middle East. The materials are of compelling interest to social and cultural historians, geographers and anthropologists, as well as those working in several other disciplines, such as art and design, architecture, theology, linguistics and economics.

Western Books: The Middle East from the Rise of Islam is also a key source of insight into how European writers and observers perceived and represented the people and the cultures of the Middle East. The materials shed new light on the role of cultural stereotypes in the substance and direction of European/American relations with the Middle East, beginning in the 18th century. The collection provides material for the exploration of how contemporary views and perceptions are shaped by the distant past.

The collection includes a printed guide.

Complete collection: 10,000 fiche, available in ten units or in the following subject and language subsets:

• Art and Architecture - 123 fiche
  
• Bibliography - 189 fiche
  English only: 57 fiche
  
• Economy and Society -269 fiche
  English only: 34 fiche
  
• History - 3,641 fiche
  English only: 1,024 fiche
  
• Language and Literature - 1,368 fiche
  English only: 449 fiche
  
• Politics, Government and Law - 572 fiche
  English only: 182 fiche
  
• Religion and Thought - 751 fiche
  English only: 300 fiche
  
• Science, Technology and Medicine -54 fiche
  
• Social Life and Customs - 178 fiche
  English only: 108 fiche
  
• Travel and Description - 3,035 fiche
  English only: 1,801 fiche

This Collection may be purchased by unit or subject.

Machine-Readable Cataloging: MARC cataloging records are available for purchase through Primary Source Microfilm; 1,928 titles.