In this extensive study, Thomas Philipp brings to light the significant intellectual contributions of Jurji Zaidan to the Arab Nahda, or awakening, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The book combines analytical essays by Philipp on Zaidan and his legacy with essays written by Zaidan himself on topics such as religion and science, language, history, society and its ethics, and nationalism. Philipp's intention is to highlight Zaidan's influence on, and reflection of, the Nahda, especially with respect to developing Arab nationalism and secular Arab history apart from Islam. Key to this movement was the creation of a modern Arab print language. Just as crucial was the increased exposure of the Arab world to the ideas of the Enlightenment (especially those dealing with science and reason) through European imperialism. Zaidan, a man who wrote many pieces on various subjects throughout his scholarly life, was a trailblazer in this intellectual, secular revolution.