In 2 volumes, a biography of Ahmad Faris al-Shidyaq (d. 1887). Shidyaq was a major intellectual figure of the Arab world known as a scholar, writer and journalist, from what is now Lebanon. At various times he resided in the UK, France, North Africa, and Turkey. He helped translate the Bible to Arabic, converted from Christianity to Islam, and was a key figure in the Nahda which sought to revitalize Arabic language and culture. He is considered one of the founding fathers of modern Arabic literature, and his colorful and productive life is fascinating.