Queries
Queries
About the publication
Do the magic squares appear in the text?
They do, presented as illustrations rather than verbal accounts. In the digital version they are included at full print sharpness, so you can output them at a practical size. This was the most frequent criticism of our initial print run, and we prefer to state it openly than to allow anyone to purchase under a false impression.
What is the page count?
1,465 pages spread over two printed volumes, encompassing all four sections of the expanded recension, together with an introduction from the translator and a glossary.
Is knowledge of Arabic required?
Not at all. Specialised terminology is given in transliteration, with each term defined in the glossary.
Does this contain the full work?
It contains the complete text of the four-volume expanded recension, which was the version that truly circulated. Whether al-Būnī authored every part of that recension is a separate and unresolved scholarly matter, discussed on the page dedicated to him.
Formats and shipping
What does the digital purchase include?
You receive a PDF and an EPUB, both free of DRM, sent to your email right after payment. The files remain yours permanently.
How long must I wait for a printed copy?
Each copy is produced on demand and then mailed. Expect a wait of 7 to 12 days, varying by location. Once dispatched, a tracking link is emailed to you.
What are the delivery charges?
Shipping is priced at our actual cost, determined at checkout based on your location. There is no added margin.
Is delivery offered to all countries?
To nearly all. Exceptions apply where local law prohibits this work, as shipments would be stopped by customs and you would lose both the item and your payment. The digital format avoids this issue entirely.
Can I find it on Amazon?
Yes, available in paperback and for Kindle. Purchasing directly gives the press a larger share of the price, but feel free to choose whichever option suits you.
Payment matters
What is your refund policy?
For printed copies, returns are accepted within 30 days. For digital purchases, refunds are issued upon request within 14 days, with no explanation necessary. Complete details are on the refunds page.
Which currencies do you accept?
Prices are listed in US dollars. Your card provider will apply its own conversion rate.
The difficult questions
Do the practices actually work?
We do not assert that any method found in this book brings about a physical outcome. This is a translation of an historical work. If you intend to purchase it expecting practical results, we advise against doing so.
Was machine translation used?
The about page gives a full account of the production process and the level of human oversight involved. We would rather disclose this before your purchase.
Is it inappropriate to release this?
That is a valid concern, and honest opinions differ. Our view is that a work of this significance ought to be accessible to any interested reader, that hiding texts has a poor track record historically, and that we treat it as an historical artefact rather than guidance. We accept that others may see it differently.