LONDON.- The established Book Department at Bloomsbury Auctions is expanding into the Middle Eastern bibliophile market with a collection of works ranging from a 15th century manuscript on alchemy, through to a beautifully decorated 19th century example of the Divan by Persia’s most beloved and renowned poet Hafez. The collection will be offered in the Important Books & Works on Paper sale on Thursday 13th November 2014.

Rupert Powell, Deputy Chairman at Bloomsbury Auctions commented; “Although in its infancy, our growing Middle Eastern Manuscripts department is already offering beautiful and important works to collectors through a comprehensive calendar of book auctions, which ranges from monthly Bibliophile sales to our bi-annual Important Books sales. We look to cultivate this new addition to the department and grow with the international market, whilst offering the London bibliophile scene a new collecting avenue.”

• A handsomely illuminated Maghribi Qur’an from North Africa in the distinctly square format of the region. Maghribi Qur’an, 1196 AH (1782 AD). Est. £5,000-7,000 [Lot 317]

• An early and important treatise on Al-Buni’s [Sharh al-Anmat] dealing with sorcery, spirituality and the names of God. Ahmad ibn ‘Ali al-Buni, 985 AH (1577-78- AD). Est. £4,000-6,000 [Lot 313]

• A rare and early Arabic manuscript on jurisprudence copied just 12 years after the author’s death Al-Amili, Kitaab Al-Zubda Fi’ilm usul Al-Fiqh, 1042 AH (1633 AD). Est. £2,500 – 3,500 [Lot 316]

• Important work on Arabic grammar by Al-Isfara’ni, copied in a fine and elegant hand Al-Isfara’ni, Sharh al-Faw’aid al-Diy’aiyya sharh al’Kafiya, mid-17th century. Est. £2,000-3,000 [Lot 319]

• A fine and beautifully decorated example of the Divan by Persia’s most beloved and renowned poet Hafez Hafez-e Shirazi, Divan, 1241 AH (1825 AD). Est. £2,000-3,000 [Lot 322]

• A 15th Century Arabic manuscript on alchemy Bin Aymadi Al-Jaldaki, Kitab Nihayat al-Talab Sharh al-Muktasab fi sina’at al-Main wa al-Dhahab, 900 AH (1494-5 AD). Est. £1,800 – 2,200 [Lot 310]

• Two beautifully decorated Lacquer boards possibly used as a book binding. Est. £500-700 [Lot 320]

The sale of Important Books and Works on Paper will be held at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions' saleroom in London’s Mayfair on Thursday 13th November.