The Encyclopaedia of Islam First Edition Online (EI1) was originally published in print between 1913 and 1936. The demand for an encyclopaedic work on Islam was created by the increasing (colonial) interest in Muslims and Islamic cultures during the nineteenth century. The scope of the Encyclopedia of Islam First Edition is philology, history, theology and law until early 20th century. Such famous scholars as Houtsma, Wensinck, Gibb, Snouck Hurgronje, and Lévi-Provençal were involved in this scholarly endeavor. The Encyclopedia of Islam First Edition offers access to 9,000 articles.

No detailed description available for "Seafarers of the Seven Seas".

A History of The Encyclopaedia of Islam is the back story of the decisions that shaped the preeminent reference work in the field of Islamic Studies and of the labor that went into it, a story that has not yet been told. It is a record of a monumental, century-long project, undertaken by the greatest scholars of its time; of friendships and rivalries; and of the extraordinary circumstances in which it took shape. As a product of and a contribution to a century's evolving view of Islamic history, civilization, and religion, this history sheds light onto the world of academia, of the individual scholars who contributed to the encyclopedia's success, and of a time-Europe before and after two world wars-and an age of publishing that dramatically changed in its lifetime.

The main reference source for questions of Islamic philosophy, science, and technology amongst Western engaged readers and academics in general and legal researchers in particular.