The average Yemeni farmer would have known much more about local agriculture than is contained in these almanacs, and much of the information is of no practical use. Varisco's book contains the Arabic text and a translation of al-Ashraf's almanac and a critical commentary on every aspect of its contents, drawing heavily on other almanacs, some of which Varisco has published elsewhere, others of which are still available only in manuscript form. The information in the almanac is arranged according to the days of the solar year. Rising of Capella. Availability of the sihla figs.
Dates redden and yellow.
Fresh ripe dates change color. Availability of broad beans in the mountains. Picking of grapes in the Sanaa region. The detailed commentary in this book explains every concept mentioned in the almanac relating to calendars, festivals, astronomy, weather, flora and fauna, environment, commerce and agriculture, as well as medical problems and sexual activity. Indeed not a stone is left unturned.