The book covers the Arabian Peninsula, the Fertile Crescent, North Africa, and the Muslim occupation of Spain (Al-Andalus).

One of the most popular sections of the book details the sophisticated culture of Moorish Spain. Hitti illustrates how Cordoba became the "Jewel of the World," far outshining the contemporary cities of Medieval Europe. 4. The Crusades and Mongol Invasions

Hitti begins by setting the stage in the desert. He describes the Bedouin life, the importance of poetry, and the socio-economic conditions of Mecca that preceded the birth of Prophet Muhammad. 2. The Rise of Islam and the Early Caliphates

Because History of the Arabs has gone through numerous editions (the 10th edition being the most common), many digital versions are available for academic use. Researchers often look for the PDF version to utilize the extensive index and footnotes, which are a goldmine for primary source citations. Where to Find It: