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Show SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION % • 4 / j ,VS FREER GALLERY OF ART WASHINGTON 25, D. C. April 10, 1951 Prof. Aziz Suryol Atiya Library of Congress Washington 25, D. C. Dear Prof. Atiya: Under separate cover there is "being sent to you a copy of the revised preliminary edition of a Bibliography of Books and Periodicals for the study of the Near East from the beginning of time to the present. It is to be brought out by the Committee on Near Eastern Studies of the American Council of Learned Societies, and is supposed to be a basic, selected list. With the object of raising the quality of the Bibliography to the highest possible level, its editor, Dr. Richard Ettinghausen (who is now in the Near East) and the Council felt the desirability of submitting it, before publication, to a small circle of scholars who have not up to now been associated with it and request their criticism, general and specific. The Bibliography is the composite work of some 40 specialists in the different fields of knowledge which it covers. Each of these contributors, at Dr. Ettinghausen's invitation, submitted a selected list of titles which he considered basic and important to the study of the specified subject. Quotas were suggested but not rigidly enforced, and a characterization or evaluation of each title was requested and supplied. In the cases where there is no comment, it was felt that either the sub-title gave the characterization or the nature of the title is such that it needs no comment. A first preliminary edition was circulated among the contributors and led to the addition as well as deletion of many titles and some reorganization of the subjects. This second edition, which will not be distributed to the contributors, has been prepared to achieve a better balance among the various subjects and their sub-divisions and to afford an opportunity to edit the comments, or supply them where they were needed. How, we would like to request your judgment as to the adequacy of the Bibliography within the limitations and frame of reference set forth in the Introduction. It is respectfully requested that (l) the Table of Contents be read at the outset in order that your recommendations may be contained within that scheme of organization, and (2) that any newly suggested titles be accompanied by your evaluation. It is hoped that this is not an unreasonable request. You may either return your comments, notes and references to this office, or, if it is more convenient, you may give them to Miss Dorothy Stehle, who is in the Division of Orientalia at the Library of Congress Annex (5th fl.); she is editor pro tern. and would be glad to have your advice, which, you may be sure, will be appreciated by the Committee and the Council. Sincerely yours, (Mrs.) Marcella D. Dovener Editorial Secretary |