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Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction Paperback – 25 April 2010

by Silverstein (Author)

129

Edition: 1^st

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Does history matter? This book argues not that history matters, but that Islamic history does. This Very Short Introduction introduces the story of Islamic history; the controversies surrounding its study; and the significance that it holds - for Muslims and for non-Muslims alike.Opening with a lucid overview of the rise and spread of Islam, from the seventh to twenty first century, the book charts the evolution of what was originally a small, localised community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents. Chapters are also dedicated to the peoples - Arabs, Persians, and Turks - who shaped Islamic history, and to three representative institutions - the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate - that highlight Islam's diversity over time.Finally, the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious and political contexts are analysed, while stressing the unique status that history enjoys amongst Muslims, especially compared to its lowly place in Western societies where history is often seen as little more than something that is not to be repeated.Some of the questions that will be answered are:· How did Islam arise from the obscurity of seventh century Arabia to the headlines of twenty first century media?· How do we know what we claim to know about Islam's rise and development?· Why does any of this matter, either to Muslims or to non-Muslims?ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

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ISBN-10

0199545723
ISBN-13

978-0199545728
Edition

1st
Publisher

Oxford University Press UK
Publication date

25 April 2010
Language

English
Dimensions

17.02 x 10.92 x 1.02 cm
Print length

176 pages
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Review

The book is extremely lucid, readable, sensibly organised, and wears its considerable learning, as they say, 'lightly'. ― BBC History Magazine

I cannot imagine any reader not profiting from this tight-packed and intelligently presented text. ― BBC History Magazine

Brilliant little book...This highly approachable text is evidently backed by a deep scholarship and is full of eye-catching perspectives. ― Steven Poole, The Guardian

Silverstein, who teaches the subject at Oxford University, is up-to-date, shrewd and often witty...

the book's lucidity, intelligence and indeed its brevity make it an ideal introduction to the field of study...

The book is a gem, and it deserves a wide readership well beyond the academic community. ― David Morgan, TLS

Book Description

A compact history of Islam, from the seventh century to the present

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press UK; 1st edition (25 April 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0199545723
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0199545728
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 17.02 x 10.92 x 1.02 cm

Customer Reviews:
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Adam J. Silverstein

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Chandini Jaswal

Detailed research, innovative parallels used to explain various terminologies, a little complicated

Reviewed in India on 6 March 2021

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The beginning was spectacular— readers get to know how Prophet Muhammad received enlightenment, how the office of caliphate came into being and what led to the birth of several sects. However somewhere in between—the reader tends to lose track— too many new terms and points for discussion. The book discusses the east vs west argument, but I felt, it leaned a little towards the latter itself while dealing with the issue. The end of the book is as wonderful as the beginning— ongoing political issues are briefly discussed and the book aptly summarises all that it offered in the preceding 232 pages in its ‘conclusion’.

Megara

Concise and understandable introduction into Islamic studies.

Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2018

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The Book is so easy to understand and provides a wonderful gateway into the importance and history of Islamic religion and society. By giving historical background, the author clarifies the reasons and meanings behind 20th and 21st century events. There are many maps, photos, and short excerpts included in the book so readers can easily understand what the author is explaining.

One person found this helpful

Marek C Slowikowski

great book and service

Reviewed in Canada on 4 April 2015

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great book and service

Peter Lake

Up there with the VSI to Modern China in terms of being a fantastic primer and a really engaging read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2015

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Lively, informative and, within the confines of space, written with authority whilst, at times, being almost playful. Everything you want titles in this series to be. Up there with the VSI to Modern China in terms of being a fantastic primer and a really engaging read.

One person found this helpful

K

Islamic review

Reviewed in the United States on 12 October 2022

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The book was concise well written and understandable. It was also seemingly unbiased in my opinion. The author is well read

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Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction Paperback – 25 April 2010

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