Chrestomathia Baidawiana: The Commentary of el-Baidawai on Sura III. Translated and Explained for the Use of Students of Arabic.

This book is as scholarly as it is useful. Al-Baidawi’s work, although not one of the easiest, is one of the most popular commentaries of the Qur’an, and should be read by every student of Arabic. Of particular importance are the numerous grammatical annotations which give the beginner an insight into the method of the Arabic national grammarians, and which from an excellent preparatory study for the perusal of these works in the original. The rather concise scholia also form a good introduction, not only into the criticism of the Qur’an, but in particular into the early history of Muslim Dogmas and the development of the sects. Prof. Margoliouth chose Sura III, which although one of the longest, is not as tedious as Sura II, and is of great interest from theological, polemical and historical points of view. The translation also of the text of the Qur’an is thoroughly original and clear. The introduction and the remarks in particular, which form one-third of the book, show how well Mr Margoliouth has mastered the immense literature of Moslem Tradition, Grammar and Kalam. [Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland (New Series), volume 27, issue 1].