The House of Wisdom
The House of Wisdom by Francis Sherman is a historical fiction novel set in the Middle East during the Golden Age of Islamic civilization. The story follows the life of a young man named Ali ibn Sina, who becomes one of the greatest scholars and physicians of his time. Throughout the book, Ali encounters various challenges and obstacles as he strives to achieve his goals and make a name for himself in the world of science and medicine. The novel explores themes such as knowledge, power, religion, and identity, and provides a fascinating glimpse into a time and place that is often overlooked in Western history.
By Francis Sherman · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Philosophical · 170 words
First lines
I had not thought (ah, God! had I but known! ) That this sad hour should ever me befall, When thou I judged the holiest of all Should come to be the thing I must disown.
Was it not true? that April morn? thy blown Gold hair around my hair for coronal?
Or is this truer? -- thou at the outer wall, Unroyal, and with unrepentant moan?
Yet prize I now this wisdom I have won, Who must always remember? Nay! My tears Must close mine eyes -- as thou wouldst hide thy face If some great meteor, kindred to the sun, Should haunt the undying stars ten million years To fall, some noon, dead in thy market place.
What this Textopian page supports
The House of Wisdom is listed on Textopian as a short story by Francis Sherman, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Francis Sherman
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Philosophical, Tragedy, Historical
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a focus on meter and rhyme.
- Romantic — Themes of love, loss, and emotional turmoil are central to the narrative.
- Philosophical — Explores deep questions about wisdom, truth, and the human condition.
- Tragedy — The tone and content reflect a sense of inevitable sorrow and disillusionment.
Tags
knowledge · history · scholarship · Islamic Golden Age · intellectual exchange · science · philosophy · mathematics · translation · cultural heritage · Baghdad · libraries