Putting the Pearls of Wisdom in Order: The Unique Necklace by Ibn ʿAbdrabbih

Abstract

This study discusses the form and function of the chapter list that we find in the preface of the adab compilation al-ʿIqd al-farīd by Ibn ʿAbdrabbih (246-328/860-940), and that sometimes appears in manuscripts with the layout of a table of contents. It suggests that this evidence shows that the list represents a transitional stage in the history of the table of contents in the Arabic book, the transition being that from a tool for exposition of the content towards a tool for navigation of that content, and that it reflects a change in reading practices.