Civilization #37 - The Golden Age of Islam

George Sale's translation of the Quran is a significant work that provides an English version of the Islamic holy text along with extensive notes and a 'Preliminary Discourse'. This discourse covers the history and geography of 7th century Arabia, the state of Christianity and Judaism before the advent of Islam, and the emergence of Islam. It also discusses the structure and style of the Quran, its legal precepts, and the main sects of Islam. Sale's translation is notable for being the first direct translation from the Arabic text into English and for its influence on European representations of Islam during the 18th century.

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.