Lost Archive

Discover the fascinating world of the Fatimid caliphate through Marina Rustow's compelling work, Lost Archive, published by Princeton University Press in 2020. This hardback edition spans 624 pages and delves into the remarkable culture of documentation that characterized the Fatimid era (909-1171). Rustow unveils the intriguing tale of how this lost archive was found in an unexpected location: the geniza, or storage room, of a Cairo synagogue. Here, medieval Jews recycled these invaluable documents as scrap paper. Lost Archive not only highlights the significance of this extraordinary discovery but also invites readers to explore the rich historical context and cultural heritage of the Fatimid caliphate. Ideal for history enthusiasts and scholars alike, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay between religion, culture, and documentation in medieval times.