RIYADH: German publishing house Mueller and Schindler is participating in the Riyadh International Book Fair for the third consecutive year with a showcase of rare manuscripts and books.
The annual gathering’s literary treasures are a major attraction for book lovers and academics.
Mueller and Schindler specialize in creating high-quality replicas of historic texts that are typically inaccessible to the public.
Among their remarkable offerings are the famed notes of Leonardo da Vinci, and a selection of Arabic works, including the renowned Blue Qur’an.
Their exhibit at the fair highlights not only the beauty of these manuscripts but also their historical significance.
The owner and CEO of Mueller and Schindler, Charlotte Kramer, elaborating on their mission, told Arab News: “We provide facsimiles, which derive from the Latin term ‘fac simile,’ meaning ‘make it similar.’”
A facsimile is a faithful reproduction of a manuscript or printed book, capturing all the visible characteristics of the original — vibrant colors, gold and silver embellishments, as well as age marks and irregularities.
Their facsimile editions are published in limited quantities, combining technical precision with the spirit of the original work.
Highlighting the uniqueness of their offerings, Kramer noted: “One of our notable replicas is Katta Langar Qur’an, which dates back over 1,200 years, making it one of the oldest Qur’anic fragments. This fragment, written in Hijazi calligraphy, is significant for the development of the Qur’anic text.”
In addition to the Katta Langar Qur’an manuscript, Mueller and Schindler showcased a Moroccan Qur’an, comprised of 50 volumes, meticulously crafted in Kufic script.
They also presented manuscripts containing prayers of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as scientific Arabic texts, including Al-Sufi’s “Book of the Fixed Stars.”
The enthusiasm of the Saudi audience has made a lasting impression on the team.
“We are thrilled to be here for the third time. The people are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely interested in our work. They engage with us, asking insightful questions and listening intently to our explanations,” Kramer said.
The fair concludes on Saturday.
