This is an excellent book for dipping into with the purpose of finding out some cultural aspect of Islam: It is very informative on art, architecture, clothing, social practises etc. & some delving into the great schism of Sunni - Shia. Indeed, it's the sort of tome one can imagine pre-2000 the dullard intellects at CIA, Pentagon & State Dept. (plus UK equivalents) were reading to inform them of the Islamic Faith: Thus their misinformed views that led to egregious long-term miscalculations for the whole world! However, written pre-11th September, 2001, for the 21st Century Western liberal-democracy reader there are gaps in information that have become so critically vital in 'understanding' this World Religion's prevalent notoriety.
Highly recommended as a pre-21st century exploration of the world of Islam: Seek elsewhere for guidance on the last 2 decades of that world. ( )

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.

Interesting and accessible introduction to Islam, from pre-Islamic Arabia through to the modern day. Covers political histories and caliphates as well as theology, economies, the arts, social history and customs, and much more. The book features a wonderful array of art and photographs, as well as extensive bibliographies. ( )