The Rise of Islam (Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Medieval World)

"What sets this text apart from many others is its focus on the socioeconomic, political, and cultural milieu in which a new religious movement was born and has thrived; its discussion of the origins of Islamic law, spirituality and theology, mysticism, philosophy, and culture; and an appendix of individual page-length biographies of important figures. Also included is a helpful glossary of terms, a 'photo essay,' selections from primary sources, and an annotated bibliography..." - "The Historian".

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to early Islamic History

By American Rumi "theoattorney" - March 10, 2007

The author provides an excellent introductory narrative to the early period of Islamic history. Utilizing the most recent scholarship in the area of Near Eastern Islamic history, he provides a good overview of the events that gave shape to the first two Islamic empires, the Ummayyads and the Abbassids. The editors of the series are to be applauded for their approach to the subject matter. The book focuses not only on the political actors, but also on significant personalities including scholars, women, and writers, and also includes relevant documents which gave rise to early Islamic thought.

A very good bibliography provides useful additional sources for more specific areas of reading and research.