- He reviews Crone’s book here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/603188
- Obviously extremely negative review but it’s good to see the problems pointed out:
In Crone’s work, R. B. Serjeant conducts a meticulous analysis, focusing on Arabic sources. Serjeant’s examination begins with the settlement of the Mecca valley by Quṣayy, despite its lack of natural resources. Due to this, Meccans were compelled to import foodstuffs, leading them to engage in long-distance caravan trade. Serjeant emphasizes that Yemen and Syria were crucial suppliers of grain to Mecca. He reinterprets Arabic sources, highlighting Qurashī merchants’ trade in Yemenite luxury items, perfumes, and spices. Serjeant argues that Meccans could acquire these goods in Aden and were involved in trading them. Contrary to Crone’s skepticism, Serjeant contends that the Quraysh were not dominant in the exchange of goods between northern Arabia and southern Syria. While Crone disputes that Q 106:1–4 refers to the Quraysh’s trading journeys, Serjeant defends the idea that these verses indeed allude to Meccans’ trading ventures to Yemen and Syria, supported by security pacts with neighboring tribes.
