The Book of the Islamic Market Inspector: Nih=ayat al-Rutba f=i Talab al-Hisba (The Utmost Authority in the Pursuit of Hisba) (Journal of Semitic Studies Supplement)

This is a fully annotated translation of a 12th-century manual written for the practical use of the Islamic inspector of markets. Filled with lively detail, the manual covers confectioners, perfumers, money-changers, slave traders, physicians, and veterinarians, outlining their professions, ruses and tricks of the trade. It is rich in description and anecdote and shows great concern for ordinary people aside from the sultans, wazirs and other government officials who are usually the focus of early Islamic writing.