Emerson's knowledge and use of Islamic literature

The purpose of this study is to show the extent of Emerson's knowledge of Islamic literature, specifically Arabic and Persian, and to demonstrate its impact on his thinking and writing. Preliminary to a discussion of Emerson's personal involvement with Islamic literature, a survey is made of the scope and quality of Near Eastern materials--translations and scholarly works--available to Emerson and his contemporaries both in New England and Great Britain. After a long period of misunderstanding of Islam and prejudice against it in the West, fresh efforts were made in Emerson's time to approach and present Islamic culture objectively. Emerson's own attitude toward Arabic and Persian literature and culture reflects this more liberal interpretation. [...]