Fine facsimile of the single surviving manuscript of the Uns al-mala' bi-wahs al-fala

[Ibn Mankali, Mohammad]. Uns al-mala' bi-wahs al-fala [Entertainment of the Public by the Beasts of the Deserts].

€ 3.500,00

One of only 45 numbered copies produced of this beautiful facsimile, a fine scholarly reproduction of the only known surviving manuscript of the Uns al-mala' bi-wahs al-fala (Entertainment of the Public by the Beasts of the Deserts), a manuscript on falcon hunting written ca. 773 H (1371 CE), and held at the Paris National Library. This copy is numbered 29.

Ibn Mankali was Colonel of the Guard of Sultan al-Malik al-Asraf Sa'ban and composed several other works on military matters (cf. Brockelmann, GAL II, 136 & Suppl. II, 167). His highly interesting treatise describes the methods employed in the Middle East for the capture, taming, training, and care of birds of prey used for hunting purposes. "Contains a description of the Syrian method of taming and training hawks. The Saker is particularly mentioned as a bird of double passage, and several varieties are noted. There is a chapter on the first man who ever tamed the Saker, and another on the mode of taking the Ostrich with the Sakers. Other Eastern falcons are described, with remarks on their qualifications and peculiarities. Some useful advice, evidently derived from experience, is given in regard to the feeding of hawks, and the management of them on a journey" (Harting).

In excellent condition.