Rudolf Gelpke collection of Arabic and Persian manuscripts, ca. 1447-1902

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Summary

Creators:
Gelpke, Rudolf, 1928-
Abstract:
Collection consists of 24 bound manuscripts. Subjects include astronomy and astrology, belles-lettres, grammar, history, philosophy and theology.
Extent:
3 boxes (1.5 linear ft.)
Language:
Finding aid is written in English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of 24 Arabic and Persian bound manuscripts from the Safawid, Ottoman, Qajar, and Timurid domains, including multiple versions of some titles. There are five works of belles-lettres, three religious texts, two historical works, four philosophical works, two grammatical works, and two works of astronomy. None of the works are illustrated, though 5 have illuminated first leaves. Of particular scholarly interest are items dating from the late Safawid period, including a version of Akhlāq-I nāį¹£irÄ« by į¹¬Å«sÄ«, or Sharįø„ tajrÄ«d al-kalām, contemporaneous with the author LāhÄ«jÄ«. The collection also contains an interlinear version of į¹¢aįø„Ä«fa al-SajjādÄ«yya, dating from the early eighteenth century.

Biographical / historical:

Rudolf Gelpke (1928-1972) was an Islamic scholar of Swiss nationality. After taking his doctorate in Islamic studies from the University of Basel in 1957, Gelpke held positions at the University of Teheran and the University of Bern, and was an Associate Professor at UCLA from September 1962 to May 1963. After living in Teheran for eight years as a freelance writer, Gelpke returned to Switzerland, where he died of a stroke at the age of 43. In addition to several papers, Gelpke was the author of Vom Raush im Orient und Okzident (On Inebriation in the East and the West), Ernst Klett Verlag, Stuttgart, 1966.

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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