Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction

by
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: 2010-02-01
Publisher(s): Oxford University Press
List Price: $12.99

Buy New

Usually Ships in 5-7 Business Days
$12.98

Buy Used

In Stock
$9.74

Rent Book

Select for Price
There was a problem. Please try again later.

Rent Digital

Rent Digital Options
Online:180 Days access
Downloadable:180 Days
$3.12
Online:365 Days access
Downloadable:365 Days
$3.60
Online:1460 Days access
Downloadable:Lifetime Access
$4.79
$3.51

How Marketplace Works:

  • This item is offered by an independent seller and not shipped from our warehouse
  • Item details like edition and cover design may differ from our description; see seller's comments before ordering.
  • Sellers much confirm and ship within two business days; otherwise, the order will be cancelled and refunded.
  • Marketplace purchases cannot be returned to eCampus.com. Contact the seller directly for inquiries; if no response within two days, contact customer service.
  • Additional shipping costs apply to Marketplace purchases. Review shipping costs at checkout.

Customer Reviews

A Very Good Introduction  May 9, 2011
by
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating Star

This textbook is respectful of the religion while being forthright about some of the less pretty parts of its history. Silverstein rejects this notion that Islam and Islamic history should be viewed uncritically, and succeeds in providing a highly plausible and interesting view of this subject. In the end, whether you are interested in Islam, history or are just a generally curious person, you will enjoy reading this very well written short textbook.






Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction: 5 out of 5 stars based on 1 user reviews.

Summary

Opening with a lucid overview of the rise and spread of Islam, from the seventh to the twenty-first century, this Very Short Introduction introduces the story of Islamic history, charting the evolution of what was originally a small, localized community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents. The book examines how Islam rose from the obscurity of seventh-century Arabia to the forefront of modern global concerns, and it highlights how we know what we claim to know about Islam's rise and development.

Historian Adam J. Silverstein also discusses the peoples--Arabs, Persians, and Turks--who shaped Islamic history, and sheds light on three representative institutions--the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate--that highlight Islam's diversity over time. Finally, the book analyzes the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious and political contexts, while stressing the unique status that history enjoys among 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.

"Silverstein is brief and brilliant...This short book has wonderful cultural-historical insights on every page--and suddenly Islamic history becomes, well, really interesting, understandable, related to Western history--and the present that much more explicable. The book is clear, witty, wise, and wonderful--read it." -School Library Journal Online

"Silverstein deserves praise for his successful effort in offering a readable and concise Islamic history. It will be instructive to curious students of any faith. His book is a credit to the outstanding Oxford series of 'Very Short Introductions.'" -Saudi Gazette

Author Biography


Adam J. Silverstein is University Research Lecturer in Near and Middle Eastern Studies and Fellow of The Queen's College, University of Oxford University Press.

Table of Contents

The story of Islamic history
Peoples and cultures
Institutions
The sources
Competing approaches
Religious significance
Political significance
Conclusions
Further Reading
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

An electronic version of this book is available through VitalSource.

This book is viewable on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and most smartphones.

By purchasing, you will be able to view this book online, as well as download it, for the chosen number of days.

A downloadable version of this book is available through the eCampus Reader or compatible Adobe readers.

Applications are available on iOS, Android, PC, Mac, and Windows Mobile platforms.

Please view the compatibility matrix prior to purchase.