THE BOOK OF AGRICULTURE
by Ibn Al Awam
In the first professional, literary translation from the Arabic into English
The fourth in a new series of ancient wisdom about agriculture, gardens and the home, reinterpreted for the modern gardener, small holder and nature lover
With new translations and introductions by leading women, modern experts in their field, these classic texts are reinterpreted for a rising generation of agriculturalists, gardeners and nature lovers returning to the land in pursuit of honest and sustainable living. Delightfully packaged as collectible literary gift books they are perfect for the reader interested in understanding which aspects of ancient wisdom and practice from around the world might be of material and philosophical use today as we address climate change, the health of our soils and food stability.
Each book in the series is as distinct in tone as its author was in life. They range from theoretical dialogue to a practical manual on all aspects of farming and soil amendments, from exquisite garden design principles to the various uses of botanical remedies. Together they are a rich, essential guide to the world’s ancient wisdom of the soil, aesthetics and how we have traditionally survived in harmony with the earth beneath our feet, in our hands and before our eyes.
Ibn Al Awam’s “Book of Agriculture” is the most important work on farming in Arabic. Written with fastidious attention to detail this volume of collected wisdom includes 34 chapters on: selecting suitable land, composting, forestry, and the planting of orchards; drought, irrigation, vegetables, complementary planting practices, the importance of agroforestry, raising fowl, fragrant flowers and herbs, animal disease prevention, harvesting and the best building practice for your outhouses. It is an astonishing compendium. For all its history “the Book”, as it is known, introduced centuries ago the progressive farming practices in experimental use today. While translations into Spanish and French were made in the 19th Century, this is the first professional, literary translation undertaken in English.
Other books in this new series include the seminal text on agriculture, garden design or the home from each of the following: Ancient Greece, Rome, Japan, Persia, India, China & the New World.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Ibn Al Awam was a muslim landowner from Seville during the Islamic rule of Spain (711-1492) who dedicated his life to farming. Not much is known about his life, but his legacy, “the Book” has remained through centuries of agronomic practice and study.
Publication Details
Subject: Home & Garden
Format: HB
Extent: 1008pp
Pub Date: April 2025
Price: £30
Illustrations: black and white line drawings throughout
