The Koran

George Sale's translation of the Quran is a significant work that provides an English version of the Islamic holy text along with extensive notes and a 'Preliminary Discourse'.

This discourse covers the history and geography of 7th century Arabia, the state of Christianity and Judaism before the advent of Islam, and the emergence of Islam.

It also discusses the structure and style of the Quran, its legal precepts, and the main sects of Islam.

Sale's translation is notable for being the first direct translation from the Arabic text into English and for its influence on European representations of Islam during the 18th century.