Arabic Administration in Norman Sicily: The Royal Diwan (Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization) [Hardcover]

Jeremy Johns (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521816920 | ISBN-13: 978-0521816922 | Publication Date: October 7, 2002

Jeremy Johns' unique study is the first comprehensive account of the Arabic administration of Norman Sicily. While it is generally assumed that the Normans inherited their administration from the Muslim governors of the island, Johns demonstrates that the Norman kings actually restructured their administration to the model of Fatimid Egypt. Controversially, he suggests that their intention was not administrative efficiency, but the projection of their royal image. This accessible account of the Norman rulers reveals how they related to their counterparts in the Muslim Mediterranean.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an important contribution to the study of the post-conquest history of Sicily. ...a useful and obligatory text of reference for years to come." Canadian Journal of History

"It is a work of luminous scholarship...also wonderfully written. Careful reading, even for nonspecialists, yields a rich prize: awareness of a fascinating and anomalous chapter of premodern Mediterranean history." History

"Johns has made a major contribution to our understanding of the monarchy ... Scholars are going to be building on John's research in numerous areas for a long time." The International History Review

"This is a compelling and accessible account of the Norman rulers and how they related to their counterparts in the Muslim Mediterranean." Middle East

Book Description

Jeremy Johns' book represents the first comprehensive account of the Arabic administration of Norman Sicily. While it is generally assumed that the Normans inherited their administration from the Muslim governors of the island, the author demonstrates that the Norman kings actually restructured their administration on the model of Fatimid Egypt. Controversially, he also suggests that their intention was not administrative efficiency but the projection of their royal image. This is a compelling and accessible account of the Norman rulers and how they related to their counterparts in the Muslim Mediterranean.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 408 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521816920
• ISBN-13: 978-0521816922
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,113,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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