This is one author who didn’t wait for 11 September 2001 to try to understand Muslims. Adam LeBor is an English Jewish journalist, and his 1997 book is more informative than most of what has hit the shelves since 9-11. He was moved to write this book after witnessing the slaughter of Muslim civilians in Bosnia, an injustice he is very passionate about. This book took him to Bosnia, his native Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, and the United States. He interviews Muslims who hold a wide range of opinions. Their diversity alone will be a revelation to most readers.

I found it interesting that, as a Jew, LeBor anticipated a certain measure of hostility from Muslims. But in fact, as he notes in the book, he encountered exactly two anti-Jewish remarks — far fewer, I would guess, than he would have found among the non-Muslims of Europe and America. (Not one of the kids who drew swastikas on the bathroom walls of my college was a Muslim.)

I would rate the book more highly if it weren’t for the historical errors that crept in (which I’ve annotated in my copy) and the slipshod copy-editing. Even so, it’s worth reading if you have the least interest in the subject. The book flows well, and it’s amenable to skipping around.