Amazon.com Review
The entire history of Islamic civilization is, of course, too much to cover in a single volume, but John Esposito comes close. In a book topping 700 pages and containing over 300 photographs, Esposito brings together experts in fields such as early Islamic history, art and architecture, science and medicine, Islam in Africa and Southeast Asia, and contemporary Islam. Beginners will be swimming in new discoveries, while old hands will find connections and facts they never suspected. Majid Fakhry, for instance, shows not only the influence of philosopher Ibn Rushd (Averroes) on European intellectuals but also unveils the claims and counterclaims within Islamic philosophy over time. Dru Gladney takes us on an eye-opening journey through Islamic Central Asia and even China, where the Muslim Hui people are recognized as the country's third-largest minority nationality. And have you ever seen an exquisite mosque with towering spires made entirely of mud-brick, like there are in West Africa? Unfortunately, Esposito apparently couldn't find room here for separate sections on Sufism or Islamic literature, but there are more than enough mosques, paintings, historical maps, and tapestries throughout to keep you turning pages and learning with fascination. --Brian Bruya
From Publishers Weekly
A good introduction to Islamic history is hard to find, and readers interested in the world's second-largest religion can rejoice at finding this one. Esposito, professor of religious studies at Georgetown University, has brought together a fine cadre of scholars for this anthology. Fifteen articles cover almost every subject that might interest a novice in the field: philosophy, science, art, architecture and histories of Islamic empires and civilizations. The art (100 b&w photos and 200 four-color illustrations) comes fast and thick, adding a great deal to the text. A particular virtue of the book is its extension of Islamic history into the present day, with articles focusing on colonialism, American and European Muslims and 20th-century Islamic revivalism. The book is not perfect, of course, and some of its faults are serious. Only one contribution is dedicated to religious belief and practice as such, and it is one of the weaker articles in the collection. Also, although Sufism is of paramount importance in Islamic history, there is no essay dedicated to the mystical branch of Islam, and the activities of Sufi orders form only a part of several of the historical articles. That said, this valuable and near-comprehensive tome would be a welcome addition to many libraries' shelves. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
This universally appealing book, written for the general reader, offers an excellent survey of recent Islamic scholarship. Esposito, editor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, has gathered 16 leading scholarsAMuslim and non-MuslimAfrom various disciplines and diverse national and religious traditions, to survey a wide range of subjects. Contributors treat, among other things, Muslim history, law, and society; art and architecture; and regional differences. Chapters on the "Globalization of Islam" and "Contemporary Islam" are particularly relevant to current events. Like most of the publisher's "histories," this book is meticulous and thorough, readable and comprehensive. An ideal one-volume source, especially for those on a small budget, it is recommended for academic and public libraries.AMichael W. Ellis, Ellenville P.L., NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A stunning achievement. John Esposito--America's preeminent scholar of Islam--has brought together an array of international experts who present a masterful survey of Islamic history in a single volume. But this is a history with a purpose. Covering Islam's origins in the seventh century, the development of its political, cultural and intellectual traditions, and its spread throughout the world, The Oxford History of Islam guides readers to an appreciation of both the richness of Islamic heritage and the dynamism and diversity of contemporary Islam. It should be required reading for all those interested in history, religion, and especially international affairs."--Tamara Sonn, Wm. R. Kenan Distinguished Professor of Humanities, College of William and Mary"Both bold brush strokes and subtle shadings make up this masterful, comprehensive picture of Islamic faith, law, science, art, philosophy, and politics in the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, and the West from the seventh century to the present. Drawing on the expertise of renowned authorities from several disciplines, it is written in an accessible style and--rare for books these days--lavishly illustrated. This work will stand not simply as an erudite synthesis of Muslim thought and practice over the centuries, but as an elegant vade mecum for all those curious about the fastest growing religion in the world today."--James Piscatori, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies"A good introduction to Islamic history is hard to find, and readers interested in the world's second largest religion can rejoice at finding this one. Esposito...has brought together a fine cadre of scholars for this anthology. Fifteen articles cover almost every subject that might interest a novice in the field: philosophy, science, art, architecture, and histories of Islamic empires and civilizations. The art (100 b&w photos and 200 four-color illustrations) comes fast and thick, adding a great deal to the text."--Publishers Weekly Book Description
A beautifully designed, wide-ranging history of the Islamic world
About the Author
John L. Esposito is Professor of Religion and International Affairs and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. A past president of the Middle East Studies Association, he is the author of numerous books on the Muslim world, including Islam: The Straight Path and The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality? (both OUP). He lives in Washington, D.C.
