This appears to be the first comprehensive, modern Arabic language encyclopedia published. It is a free translation of the World Book Encyclopedia, based upon the International editions for the years 1992-94, and revised to emphasize Arabic and Islamic subjects and points of view. The ideas, viewpoints, and shortcomings to be found in a work of this size and diversity express the opinions of the numerous scholars who were assigned the duty of revising and adapting the material, not those of the Board of Directors, the Publisher or World Book Encyclopedia. The publisher hopes to issue new revised and updated editions, continuing to add more Arabic and Islamic materials in the process.

MD, 11/97