April Series of the Month: An Arabic-English Lexicon

Cosimo is highlighting the Middle East with our April Series of the Month, An Arabic-English Lexicon by Edward W. Lane.

Compiled over many years in the 1800s by Edward William Lane, The Arabic-English Lexicon is one of the most concise and comprehensive Arabic-English dictionaries to date. It is based on several medieval Arabic dictionaries, mainly the Taj al-'Arus, or "Crown of the Bride" by al-Zabidi, also written in the 19th century. The eight-volume Lexicon consists only of Book I, the dictionary; Book II was to contain rare words and explanations, but Lane died before its completion. 

After his death, Dr. G.P. Badger described Lane's lexicon: "This marvelous work in its fullness and richness, its deep research, correctness and simplicity of arrangement far transcends the Lexicon of any language ever presented to the world."

About Edward William Lane (1801-1876) E.W. Lane was a British translator, lexicographer, and Orientalist. Instead of studying at college as a young man, Lane moved to London with his brother to study engraving, at which time he also began to study Arabic. When his health began failing, he moved to Egypt for a change of atmosphere and to continue his studies. While in Egypt, Lane began to study ancient Egypt, but soon became more entranced by modern customs and society. Lane also translated One Thousand and One Nights, though his greatest work remains The Arabic-English Lexicon. Stanley Lane Poole, Edward's great-nephew, authored dozens of books, including the last three volumes of the Arabic-English Lexicon started by his uncle, E.W. Lane.

Cosimo offers Lane's eight volume series by individual volume at leading online bookstores or as a full set in hardcover or paperback, especially of interest to Arabists, collectors, who like to expand their personal library or professional librarians. If you are interested in purchasing the full set, please contact us.


The hardcover retail list price for the eight volume series is $399.92, but now:our price: $319.99  (you save $80 or a 20 percent discount)

The paperback retail list price for this series: $142.92, but now: our price: $114.99 (you save $28 or a 20 percent discount)