Rosenthal,Franz. — Gambling in Islam.

Leiden, E.J. Brill, 1975. [IV],192 pp. Orig. hardcover (blind stamped green cloth with gilt lettering). 8vo. - Very good copy.Groundbreaking academic book by the renowned German-American Orientalist and historian Franz Rosenthal (1914-2003). The work offers a meticulous historical and sociological examination of how gambling and related leisure activities were perceived, regulated, and depicted during the first six centuries of the Islamic world. Rather than focusing exclusively on legal rulings, Rosenthal uses classical Arabic literature, legal decrees (fatawa), and historical chronicles to map the societal tensions surrounding 'un-Islamic' or marginal pastimes.