From The Meadows of Gold

by al-Mas'udi, Paul Lunde (Translator), Caroline Stone (Translator)

Much of his work has vanished, but Mas'udi's matchless The Meadows of Gold has almost miraculously survived: a compendium of stories and information on what he knew of the worlds of the Middle East, the Far East and Europe. It is both a great monument to Islamic scholarship and a time capsule allowing us into the world over a millennium ago.

Genres: History, Travel, Nonfiction, Classics, Islam, Middle East, 10th Century

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 947

About the author

al-Masʿūdī (c. 896 – 956) was a historian, geographer and traveler. He is sometimes referred to as the "Herodotus of the Arabs". A polymath and prolific author of over twenty works on theology, history (Islamic and universal), geography, natural science and philosophy, his celebrated magnum opus The Meadows of Gold (Murūj al-Dhahab) combines universal history with scientific geography, social commentary and biography.

Reviews

[Samdenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second of twenty short, neat, gorgeously packaged books that I got in a boxset last Christmas (or birthday, I forget which). Masʿūdī wrote thirty-six books, but only two survived to the present day. Still, a pretty incredible achievement for a man born in 890AD. A lot of this condensed version is what I think of as "hard history"; lots of dates and places and fairly dry descriptions of various nations, their characteristics, kings and wars. Reading this book, it really struck me how much of everything there is; how much must have been lost over the years. Even focusing on such a relatively small area, Masʿūdī packs in the detail. I particularly liked his stance on religion; his firm belief in Islam not tainted by scorn for other faiths. If only we were as tolerant now. I also loved the (sadly rare) descriptions of customs and practices, little details preserved forever in the text, as Masʿūdī says, "snatched from oblivion".

[Daren · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic collection of short chapters, covering a huge number of countries/locations and a vast array of things! Culture, people, animals, customs, stories, etc. Very like Herodotus or Marco Polo in their travel / cataloguing type books. Helpfully where places or people are named in Arabic, their modern equivalent (by which they are better known) is provided in brackets, which is a helpful thing!

Some example chapter titles: (there are 80 of them.
The lighthouse of Hercules
The Galicians
The Lombards
Viking raiders
The wine cups of Alexander
The sources of the Nile
Ivory
Pearl fishing in the Gulf
The Seventh Sea - The sea of China
Camphor
St Elmo's Fire
The skillfulness of the Chinese

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book compares himself to a man who, having found pearls of every kind and every shade scattered here and there, gathers them into a necklace and makes them a precious piece of jewellery…

Born in Baghdad at the tail end of the ninth century CE, Masʿūdī or Al-Masʿūdī was intensely curious about the world around him, becoming an indefatigable traveller, researching and interviewing informants before authoring several original works.

Though only a couple of these books have survived the intervening millennium enough survives for Paul Lunde and Caroline Stone to have chosen and translated several chapters from a work entitled The Meadows of Gold and Mines of Precious Gems, plus a few from The Book of Admonition and Revision. Taken as a whole their selection gives a good general impression of Al-Masʿūdī’s approach and the scope of his vision.

From this we can gather that he seems to have travelled extensively in the Middle East, perhaps in the role of a merchant trader, along the coast of the Indian subcontinent and very possibly through the East Indies, past Indochina and up to Guangzhou or Canton (here called Khānfū). What comes through are the very well-established trade and cultural connections right across the Old World, from Europe to Korea, connections which later writers such as Marco Polo and Sir John Mandeville were also to take full advantage of.

In this translation Al-Masʿūdī comes across as a chatty companion, begging our indulgence for any mistakes or negligence due to his failing memory and exhaustion after a lifetime’s voyages. He immediately lists the lands visited, the medieval equivalents of modern Azerbaijān, Syria, Pakistan, Zanzibar in East Africa, Vietnam, Sumatra and China. He mentions the western end of the Mediterranean, but though it’s clear he has never been there he is familiar with the history of Muslim rule in Andalusia.

There are short chapters on the Franks, Lombards, Slavs, Norsemen and Viking raiders; he recounts how the Khazars had relatively recently converted to Judaism, a detail that Arthur Koestler was later to use in his The Thirteenth Tribe to buttress the theory that Ashkenazi Jews are descended from the Khazar tribes; and he includes lengthy historical notes on other peoples (such as the Bulghārs and the Alans) in the Caucasus region. He doesn’t neglect religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism either, to all of which he gives a fair hearing (as these his concluding remarks make clear): “May the reader rest assured that I have not here taken up the defence of any sect, nor have I given preference to this doctrine or other.”

The Meadows of Gold is full of anecdotes and asides, which gives some respite from a catalogue of polities, the names of rulers or mention of scholars which the author had met or whose work he respected, digressions which in fact leaven his narrative. We hear for instance of the vizier’s daughter Shirazad and her stories in Hazar Efsaneb (‘The Thousand Tales’, which we know better as Scheherazade’s The Thousand and One Nights); we’re also entertained with electric catfish and the rhinoceros, the banyan tree and backgammon, pearls and ambergris, cowrie shells and camphor. The further east we go hearing of lands which the author wouldn’t have visited — Tibet, say, or Qimār (Khmer in Cambodia) — the more the anecdotes proliferate. The edge of the known world for him was al-Sīla or Korea “and the islands belonging to it” where the air is healthy, the waters clear, the land fertile and nothing is in short supply — or so he will have been informed.

This short volume in the Penguin Great Journeys series is helpful in emphasising how cosmopolitan an outlook was held by enlightened scholars of the period, at a time when Barbarian Europe was emerging from the turmoil of its Migration Period. This translation usefully gives modern equivalents to places that might otherwise puzzle us, and a couple of maps are also included to aid orientation; and for western readers Al-Masʿūdī’s plentiful dates in the Muslim calendar are glossed with Common Era dates. This abridgement of The Meadows of Gold introduces us to a writer who could be both a devout Muslim and an enquiring humanist, and I for one feel all the better for being acquainted with him.

[El-Jahiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume from the Meadows of Gold by Al-Masudi, the Herodotus of the Arabs (9th century) is an excellent translation by Paul Lunde and Caroline Stone. Probably captures the true essence of the masterpiece in presenting the time of the Abbasiad Caliphs through a collage of anecdotes woven together that flows like poetry. Wish they also translated the rest of this enchanting book.

[Janez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, yet marvellous description of the civilisation(s) that have ceased to exist long ago!!!!

[Ahmed Bahaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ive read this year, its like going back in time and learning about the customs, traditions and secrets of that time. This definitely helps in connecting some dots.

[Grinjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

History at it's beauty. Masudi, a great scholar during the Abbasid Renaissance, explore lands, people, cultures and economy with the claim of objectivity in the later half of 1st c AD. "..I have not here taken up defence of any sect, not have I given preference to this doctrine or that. My aim has been to relate the most notably events in mans history.." He compares the book to a necklace with pearls of history. Some we get:
1. The scientific, objective pursuing of human knowledge in Islam
2. How Islamic culture, trade, influences was prominent around the world, especially Europe (in their dark ages)
3. The importance of universality of knowledge
4. Mention of system of Sati in India as early as the first century and comparing it to a same kind of system among European tribes
5. Mention of Muslims, Xtians vs Pagans (unconverted)
And more...

[Syed Fathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally intended to buy the complete work of al-Mas'udi, but when the book arrived, it is a selection and a simplified version from the original. Thus the name "From" The Meadows of Gold. I first came across al-Mas'udi when I read Muqaddimah by Ibnu Khaldun and quickly got interested in reading his work. Although Ibnu Khaldun criticized al-Mas'udi for not being critical in writing his history, I found the book very fascinating, it gave a snapshot and glimpses of people, tribes, and nations that once populated our planet and has now vanished. For me, the strength of al-Mas'udi historiography was his objectivity, his focus on fact rather than opinions. His scope also very wide ranging, he does not contend writing only on the Arabian Peninsula, Mediterranean and Europe, but ventured into India, Russia, Nusantara, Korea, and China. This wide geographical range made him a superior source for a global classical history.

[Merlin Zuni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author Mas' udi was born in Bagdad around AD 890. He was a sort of global historian similar to the likes of Herodotus. He wrote thirty-six books in his life time, of which only two have survived.

There is a very ironic chapter of the book where he praises his birthplace Iraq and his hometown of Bagdad. He says "The earth is fertile,life is easy and everthing is available in abundance. All of its people are secure, knowing no ills."

That's a far cry from the state of things these days in Iraq.

I like his enthusiastic and unusal style of writing. He often is telling an interesting story and when he mentions a persons name dead or living, He inserts the text "May prayers and peace be with him", and continues the story.

I'm about half way through. This is the 2nd book in the Penguin book series "Great Journeys".

[Annkathrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating glimpse of the world as a scholar and traveller knew it, a thousand years ago. His account of the civilisations of the time, and their different histories, legends, cultures, creatures and landscapes give an insight into contemporaneous understanding of diplomacy, geography, oceanography, zoology and climate.

[yellow tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm currently reading this masterpiece for a seminar, i.e. the original in five volumes, its partial translation into german by gernot rotter and its partial translation into english; and already it seems a pity to me that there's only two of al-mas'udi's works that survived until the modern age.

[Özlem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consists of eighty selected stories from Al-Masudi's works, mostly from Muruj al-Dhahab. It was actually upsetting to learn that he wrote thirty six books, yet only two of them have survived, because I really liked his writing style and even though I am not very familiar with such kind of travelling books, I found this one very professional, like I don't know, something in Al-Masudi's style gave me that impression. I had seen this book in my native language, but it was way longer than I wanted to read, so I decided to read it in English since it was shorter. But after finishing the book, I am thinking about reading its longer version as well.
One thing though –just out of curiosity, before reading the book, I wondered what it had to say about the Turks and Turkic people in general. But even some animals got longer and more detailed parts than the Turks throughout the book, which was a bit disappointing lol. This is probably because the publishers selected only the most intriguing parts from the original book, I assume. Anyway, It was far more enjoyable than I initially expected.

[Anthony Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the translators Stone and Lunde. I understand that this is only excerpts of Mas'ūdī and published as part of larger "Great Journeys" series, but it would greatly benefit from footnotes such as those found in their translation of Ibn Fadlan and other such early medieval works of Islamic travelers (incl. excerpts from Mas'ūdī). I found some issues with the placement of groups such as the Khazars on the inside cover's map. Could be confusing to someone unacquainted with early medieval geography, especially when this map conflicts with the geographic descriptions given by Mas'ūdī. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this translation.

[Daniel Clemence · Rating 3 out of 5]

From The Meadows of Gold is a journey written in the 10th century. The writer Masudi travels across the world, visiting countries as far and wide such as China, Bulgaria, Byzantium, India and beyond. You learn much about the 10th century through the lens of a Muslim Arab. You learn about the self-injury Indians when playing boardgames, learn about rhinoceroses, the mention of the land of the midnight sun. A reasonably enjoyable book.

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dryer than toast without butter, but it featured some interesting history. Loved the parts where Mas'udi focused on traditions, but a lot of it was tell not show. Also, so many times he says something like "but I won't talk about that now because that's in my other book" which felt a bit like a letdown.

I'd say it's a good introductory piece for history surrounding the Middle East circa 900, but not an enjoyable read.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressive as it is that this has lasted so long and is such a thorough account of far-reaching travels, it's not a thrilling read. Lots of names; places and people, distances and details which don't make it a great narrative.

[Yusuf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more from this. One interesting detail, there is a story about a Muslim merchant. According to the story, when he saw a portrait of Prophet Mohammed in China and he starts crying. I wondered when this "drawing is disrespectful" idea emerged.

[Caleb Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating window into the alien-world of the past. Mas'ūdī attempts to piece together a broad tapestry of facts, stories, voices and cultures and manages to 'snatch precious fragments of the past from oblivion'. Enjoyable reading little snippets of the full work.

[bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting, almost read like a fantasy. I wish I knew more about who was who and where everything was (some more maps and definitions would have been very helpful, I think publishing without is actually pretty poor), but a good starting point to spark interest.

[Evander · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was so frustrating to read him write so often that he's omitting further details of certain events and people because he'd already written about in his other books but they're not extant!

[Kieran Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A captivating tour of the Middle and Far East.

[august Shank · Rating 3 out of 5]

little boring but still kinda good

[Indica Books]

One should read it

[David King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read and an examination into a rare era of history I'm not aware of. Cheerfully told and deeply informative. With lots of great random rambles.

[Anthony Batterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting--this consists of excerpts from the work of a medieval Muslim historian and travel writer. I am definitely intrigued and would like to pick up the full works sometime.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each book a small but concise collection of abridged excerpts (ideal for those who may otherwise have found the longer accounts daunting), each man and indeed women a pioneer in his or her own right.

Despite synopsis that by and large read like something you'd find in an edition of Boy's Own, not one of the seven books in the series that I have read so far was in fact like that.

No matter the content, that much of it was actually interesting, the writing is invariably dull, some of the language used ... Hmm! Lets just say that some of the depictions whilst very much of their time will doubtlessly be construed as unacceptable nowadays.

That said, individuals I know relatively little of, my appetite whetted, I'm keen to learn more about them.

Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper

[Erni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only at 120 pages, this book reveals the important points in history during the life of al-masudi, encompassing his travels from Iraq, to the whole of Middle East, India, and even to the Far East.
It's amazing how many places he had been and all the things he had seen, to be able to be a part of history.
I've learnt so much history by reading this tiny book, and his adventures were so interesting, I kept reading until 4am.
Now I think if I have the chance I'd like to collect all the books in the Penguin Great Journeys series.

[arzu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting quick read. Picked it up from a local bookstore during my weekend trip in London.

As someone that is fascinated by other cultures and loves travelling - I found it a great read for a long train journey. It was interesting to recognise ethnical and geographical characteristics of specific populations that we still till this day use. Mind you that this book is a snippet of the original copy from 943 first published in Cairo.

[Brian Kovesci · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this book has been my favorite in the series because Al-Masudi was sent on behalf of an entire nation to recount the history of the world whereas the other accounts were personal stories of adventure and unknown travel. Some of the dates and facts are mistaken, but the wealth of information in this short volume is astounding!

[Daniel Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and sometimes eye-opening window into the past, a Herodotus-style 10th century romp through the world as it was then known, peppered with useful medical advice (the electric catfish "can be used to provide instant relief from the pain of a severe migraine by being applied live to the head of the sufferer") and descriptions of historico-cultural marvels.