The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Islamic World

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 352 pages
• Published by: Cambridge University Press August 1, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0521669936
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521669931
• Book Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 2.1 pounds

Product Review
'This sumptuously illustrated volume, whose writers include well-known specialists such as Patricia Crone and Robert Irwin, has much to recommend it: a high level of text; copious, well-reproduced illustrations that are generally enhanced by clear and informative explanations and commentaries; and a splendid and comprehensive bibliography together with a useful glossary and list of rulers.' Asian Affairs 'Quality photographs and reproductions of works of art on nearly every page make the volume extremely attractive and render the reading enjoyable This book answers the requirements of the uninitiated general public, as well as of students of Islamic and Asian civilisation.' Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and Islam ' reliable sources of information, and gorgeously produced.' International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church

Product Review
"It is a challenging task to describe the contributions of one billion Muslims who inhabit the Middle East and much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia. However, the editor and the contributors of The Islamic World managed to put it all in perspective with accurate information, selective emphasis, and well-chosen photographs distributed fairly and with good taste throughout the book. The subject progession, the easy style of writing, and the black-and-white and color illustrations make the book easy to read, particularly for college students and the general reader." Digest of Middle East Studies

"This book helps to dispel myth and hearsay with solid information about one of the world's most maligned religions. Accessible, interesting, and thorough, this volume serves students who want to be more informed about a religion that is so often in the news." Rebecca Woodcock, University of Exeter

"This richly illustrated volume is one of the first of this growing number of works to make the world of Islam accessible to a wide range of readers while keeping to high standards of scholarship. Written to make the world of Islam readily accessible to the student and general reader, this volume fulfills its aims and makes a generous contribution to the field." International Journal of Middle East Studies

Reader Reviews
In an age of prejudice towards the Islamic faith, it is nice to see a more accurate and even-handed book covering the Muslim world. This book gives an excellent introduction, going into depth on how the west has viwed the Islamic world, and vice-versca. Then it goes onto the first chapter, where it discusses pre-Islamic Arabia, the life of Mohammad, the Rashidun, the schism between Sunni and Shi'a, and the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. This chapter is especially interesting in laying the framework for the foundations of the Islamic world, as well as the spread of Islam and Arabic culture, and later conversion of non-Arab peoples (most notably the Persians). In the next chapter, the Islamic world from 1000 to 1500 AD is covered, when Islam had spread across the Middle East, west to Spain and west Africa and east towards India and Central Asia. This chapter covers many interesting subjects, such as the Fatimid dynasty, the Crusades, the Mongols, Byzantium and the Turks, and Islamic states in East Asia and Africa. The third chapter covers the period from 1500 to 1800 AD, a period of both great achievements and decline. The Persian, Mongol and Turkish powers are mentioned (such as the Safavids, Mughals and Ottomans), alongside mention of Islam in Africa and elsehwere in Asia (mainly China and Southeast Asia). The subsequent chapter focuses on the 1800s to the present day, and a growing western presence in Islamic lands. This chapter shows how European powers carved up Islamic lands (the French in Syria and north/west Africa, the Brits in Iraq, Palestine, Egypt and South Asia, the Italians in north Africa, Russians in central Asia, etc), and how Islamicist reformer movements arose because of this. Mention is also made of non-colonized states (such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran), and of the emergence of independant Islamic states. The second section of the book goes more into cultural studies, delving into economies, trade routes and social structure within the Islamic world. Mention is made of both historical traderoutes and interconnectedness in the Islamic world, stretching from Morocco to Indonesia, and of modern economies in predominantly Muslim states. In chapter seven, the book explores learning in Islamic societies. Mention is made of the high degree of literacy in Islam, and the many great scientific achievements in medicine, astronomy and mathematics. Mention is also made of the impact of the west on Islamic learning. This is followed by a chapter on the arts in the Islamic world, ranging from calligraphy to architecture to classical Arabic music (including mention of legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kalthum) and everything in between. This is an excellent chapter for understanding and appreciating Islamic culture. The book closes out with a conclusion on Islam in the modern world, relationships with the west, the spread of Islam to every country in the world and crises in Bosnia, Palestine, Kashmir and Chechnya. It also has a wonderful timeline covering various Islamic dynasties around the world and a short glossary of Arabic terms. Its quite a nice book for getting to understand some of the basic history and culture of the Islamic world and some of the current issues facing the Islamic world. For the purposes of this book, by the way, the Islamic world counts as any country where the majority of the population is Muslim, not just self-declared Islamic states (which would be limited to Iran, Pakistan, Mauritania and such). Hence it covers almost all of the Middle East, north Africa, Central Asia and much of South Asia, as well as Bosnia, Albania, parts of west and east Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and so forth. In fact, the book makes a point of examining Islam in South Asia, Africa, China and elsewhere beyond the Middle East. It also includes many illustrations and maps of the Islamic world. Hence its an invaluable aid for anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim, in understanding the wonderful history and culture of Islam. However, it doesn't go into depth on beliefs or specific cultures (such as Arabs, Persians, Malay, Mongols and whatnot), so you would need to look elsewhere for that.