Very rare first edition of an important study of the Aramaic language, the vernacular language of much of the Middle East in biblical times, describing in particular the cultural and historical sources of Aramaic loanwords in Arabic. Written by Siegmund Fränkel (1855-1909), an associate professor of Semitic philology at the University of Wroclaw at the time of the present publication. It is considered his most important work, dedicated to Professor Theodor Nöldeke (1836-1930), a leading orientalist who supported Fraenkel in writing the book. The text remains relevant after more than 130 years, with later editions in 1962 and 1982.
From the library of the famed Semitic linguist Wolf Leaslau (1906-2006), with his bookplate on the front paste-down and his name in ink at the head of the title-page "W. Leslau 1936". Spine discoloured and slightly worn at the foot. Small bookplate at the foot of the original paper front cover. WorldCat (4 copies).