In a work that surveys an entire tradition of historical thought and writing across a span of eight-hundred years, Tarif Khalidi examines how Arabic-Islamic culture of the premodern period viewed the past, how it recorded it, and how it sought to answer the many complex questions associated with the discipline of history.
Reviews
'Dr Khalidi is completely in control of his subject and carries the reader along through his splendidly fluent style, despite the occasional complexity of his argumentation.' Middle East International 'This is a wide-ranging, excellently written book on a subject of major importance, based on a formidable wealth of knowledge expertly distilled ... ' David Morgan, School of Oriental and African Studies 'The extent of Khalidi's reading is daunting, the subtlety and elegance of his exposition enviable. This is a book which is enjoyable as well as informative.' The Times Literary Supplement
