Savary, M. — The Morals of Muhammad; or A Collection of the - Lot 443

Savary, M. — The Morals of Muhammad; or A Collection of the Purest Maxims from the Quran. Published in Constantinople, and available in Paris, by Lamy, 1784. In-12, green morocco, triple gilt fillet framing on the covers, small fleurons at the corners, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets and a title running lengthwise, chiseled edges, interior roulette, and gilt edges— [2 ff.], 91 pp. First edition of this abridgment of the principles of Islam. The previous year, Savary had published a more complete translation of the Qur’an intended for a knowledgeable audience. This abridgment provided a broad European audience with an initial introduction to the Islamic religion. Savary (1750–1788), who began his career as a physician, spent several years in Egypt before returning to France to devote himself to Orientalist studies. A charming copy on fine laid paper.