The Secret Of The Morisco

Name: The Secret Of The Morisco
SKU: 9781788710862
Availability: InStock

EGP1,280.00

The Secret of the Morisco is a picaresque tale of Robert, a young Englishman taken captive by the Spanish Armada in the 17th century, as he sails home after procuring an Arabic printing press in the Netherlands. Thrown into prison for nothing more than his own bad luck, Robert befriends a Christianised Moor, Yusuf, who cautiously recounts the story of his family’s flight from Spain following the Edict of Expulsion in 1609 and divulges the existence of lost Arabic manuscripts, setting Robert off on an adventure taking him from Spain to Holland, Italy, and Ottoman Syria in search of the invaluable trove.

More than a thrilling story about the emergence of the Arabic printing press or lost manuscripts, The Secret of the Morisco draws heavily on events from the Scientific Revolution, the Thirty Years’ War, and the often turbulent relations with the Ottoman Empire to highlight a period of intense cultural interaction and increasing competition between Europe and the Islamic world. Memoir-like and written from Robert’s perspective, the novel interrogates notions of belonging, the permeability of boundaries, and the ambiguous dichotomy between East and West. Deeply researched and easily accessible to the general reader, The Secret of the Morisco is historical fiction at its finest and offers a unique perspective on a critical period of history.

SKU: 9781788710862 Categories: Books, E Arabic Literature in Translation, English Books, Literature &Fiction

REFUND AND RETURN POLICY

Description
Reviews (0)

The Secret Of The Morisco

The Secret Of The Morisco Book Description

Readers will discover an exciting adventure in The Secret Of The Morisco, a vivid historical novel now available at Kalimat Bookstore Online. Set in the 17th century, the tale follows Robert, a young Englishman captured by the Spanish Armada, who embarks on a daring quest after acquiring an Arabic printing press in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Robert meets Yusuf, a Christian‑converted Moor, who shares his family’s escape from Spain after the 1609 Edict of Expulsion. Yusuf reveals the existence of hidden Arabic manuscripts, prompting a journey that spans Spain, Holland, Italy, and Ottoman Syria.

Furthermore, the novel weaves the Scientific Revolution, the Thirty Years’ War, and Ottoman‑European tensions into a rich backdrop. This context highlights a time of fierce cultural exchange and competition between the West and the Islamic world.

Additionally, the story is told in a memoir‑like voice, allowing readers to explore themes of belonging, fluid borders, and the blurred line between East and West. The narrative remains accessible while delivering deep historical insight.

Key Features of The Secret Of The Morisco

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy the meticulous research that brings the 1600s to life. The book presents vivid settings, from bustling ports to quiet monasteries, and introduces authentic details about early Arabic printing technology.

Moreover, each chapter delivers a balance of intrigue and education. Readers can uncover lost manuscripts, experience daring escapes, and learn about the complex politics of the era without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Read This Book?

This novel offers more than just adventure; it invites readers to question how culture and identity intersect. The characters’ struggles reflect larger societal shifts, making the story relevant to modern audiences.

Because the prose is clear and engaging, the book suits both seasoned history buffs and newcomers alike. It provides an entertaining way to explore a pivotal period while encouraging reflection on today’s global connections.