The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Islamic World

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Islamic World
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Francis Robinson
Foreword by Ira M. Lapidus
SeriesCambridge Illustrated Histories
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:352
Dimensions(mm): Height 254,Width 204
Category/GenreWorld history
World history - BCE to c 500 CE
World history - c 500 to C 1500
World history - c 1500 to c 1750
World history - c 1750 to c 1900
World history - from c 1900 to now
Islam
ISBN/Barcode 9780521669931
ClassificationsDewey:909.097671
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations 1 Tables, unspecified; 99 Plates, color; 14 Maps; 102 Halftones, unspecified; 1 Tables, unspecified; 99 Plates, color; 14 Maps; 102 Halftones, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
NZ Release Date 1 November 1999
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Islamic peoples account for one fifth of the world's population and yet there is widespread misunderstanding in the West of what Islam really is. Francis Robinson and his team set out to address this, revealing the complex and sometimes contrary nature of Muslim culture. As well as taking on the issues uppermost in everyone's minds, such as the role of religious and political fundamentalism, they demonstrate the importance of commerce; literacy and learning; Islamic art; the effects of immigration, exodus, and conquest; and the roots of current crises in the Middle East, Bosnia, and the Gulf. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the interaction between Islam and the West, from the first Latin translations of the Quran to the fatwa on Salman Rushdie. This elegant book deliberately sets out to dismantle the Western impression of Islam as a monolithic world and replace it with a balanced view, from current issues of fundamentalism to its dynamic culture and art. Francis Robinson is the editor of two outstanding reference works: Atlas of the Islamic World Since 1500 (Cambridge, 1982) and The Cambridge Encyclopedia of India (1989).

Reviews

'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 beautifully produced.' International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church