Gustav Weil (1808-1879), German orientalist and historian, was the author of several works on the subject of Islam. He also provided a highly-regarded translation of 'Arabian Nights'. It was from his work 'Geschichte der Islamitischen Volker', that this translation in English was first taken in 1914. Its original purpose, in the words of its translator S. Khuda Bukhsh, was 'to provide for students who need a safe and trustworthy guide to lead them through the labyrinth of Mohamedan history.' The passage of time has done little to imp[air the validity of this aim. Indeed, the work has now taken on a further purpose, that being to provide an insight into the development of Islamic study during the past hundred years. Its republication will be welcome by both students and general readers alike.