Let's be clear upfront: this isn't a new interpretation or a modern study. 'The Koran' by George Sale is his pioneering English translation from 1734, often published without his extensive introductory essays and notes, hence the 'Unknown' author credit on some copies. The 'story' here is twofold. First, it's the narrative and teachings of the Quran itself—the revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, the stories of earlier prophets like Abraham and Moses, the laws, and the moral guidance. Second, and just as compelling, is the story of Sale's attempt to bridge a massive cultural and religious gap for his 18th-century British readers.

The Story

The book presents the Quran's 114 chapters (surahs). It moves from the powerful, short declarations of faith in the early Meccan surahs to the longer, legal and societal guidelines revealed in Medina. You'll find familiar biblical figures, passionate calls to monotheism, vivid descriptions of paradise and the afterlife, and direct addresses to the early Muslim community. Wrapped around this is Sale's own voice in his prefaces and footnotes. He explains Arabic terms, provides historical context from sources available to him, and often compares Islamic beliefs to Christian ones, sometimes finding common ground, sometimes pointing out differences.

Why You Should Read It

I found this book utterly captivating for reasons I didn't expect. Reading Sale's translation isn't just about understanding Islam; it's about watching someone from a completely different world try to do exactly that. His tone is a strange and respectful mix. He clearly aimed for accuracy and fought against the wild misconceptions about Islam common in his day. Yet, you can feel his 18th-century Christian perspective in every explanatory note. It's like having a thoughtful, well-meaning, but inevitably biased docent walking you through a sacred text. This dual layer makes it a brilliant read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, translation, or how cultures perceive each other. The language is archaic ('thee' and 'thou'), but that adds to the historical charm and reminds you of the vast distance Sale was trying to cross.

Final Verdict

This is not the book for someone seeking the most accurate, modern translation of the Quran for religious study. For that, go to contemporary scholarly editions. This book is perfect for history buffs, students of literature and translation, and curious readers who enjoy primary sources. If you want to know how the English-speaking world first seriously engaged with the Quran, and you're okay with reading that engagement as a product of its time—with all the fascinating insights and limitations that implies—then George Sale's version is a must-read. It's a conversation across three centuries, and you get to listen in.