A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period [Paperback]

Jamil M. Abun-Nasr (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521337674 | ISBN-13: 978-0521337670 | Publication Date: August 28, 1987 | Edition: 3

Building on the two previous editions of his History of the Maghrib, Professor Abun-Nasr has written a completely new history of North Africa within the Islamic period which begins with the Arab conquest and brings the story up to the present day. He emphasises the factors which led to the adoption of Islam by practically the entire population, the geographical position of the area, which made it the main trade link between the Mediterranean world and the Sudan and led to its involvement in the confrontation between the Christian and Islamic worlds. In Morocco, this confrontation led to the emergence of a distinct religio-political community ruled by sharifian dynasties and, in the rest of the Maghrib, to integration in the Ottoman empire. The political and economic developments of the 'piratical' regencies of Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, the establishment of European colonial rule, the nationalist movements and Islamic religious reform are all treated in detail. The balance between factual account and interpretation makes the book especially useful to students of African and Islamic history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In general, it is appropriate to regard A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period as the best overview of its subject presently avaiable in English." International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies

"This book remains the best study of North Africa in that it remains the only major detailed work on the subject. Its value is immediate for both students of African History and Middle Eastern Studies." A.J. Abraham, Journal of Third World Studies

Book Description

A detailed account of the political and economic developments of the "piratical" regencies of Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, the establishment of European colonial rule, the nationalist movements and Islamic religions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 472 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 3 edition (August 28, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521337674
• ISBN-13: 978-0521337670
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine Detail, Sweeping Narrative, November 19, 2005

By 

C. W. Day (Silver Spring, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period (Paperback)

Jamil M. Abun-Nasr's History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period is a finely detailed tapestry which sweeps from the early days of the Al-Moravids in Morocco to the post-colonial regimes in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. While the book is academic in tone, it is so well written as to be accessible to the casual reader, so long as one is willing to come to grips with the intracacies of Maghreban dynastic politics.

While I learned more from the first half of the book, which discusses pre-Modern Maghreban history; the second portion covering the modern era was particularly relevant in light of the recent rioting in France. Abun-Nasr vividly describes how the European powers - under the guise of bringing civilization - ruthlessly exploited their North African colonies, and to some degree continue to do so to this day. Although the fruits of their policies were most bitter in Algeria, it is clear that throughout the Maghrib the European powers' short-sighted pursuit of commercial gain had long-term repercussions for everyone involved.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First class study of the history of the Maghrib, January 16, 2008

By 

Gogol (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period (Paperback)

This is one of the few books that you can buy on the history of North West Africa that can be read again and again. There is a wealth of information contained in this book which covers (as the title suggests) North West Africa's history from the 7th century Arab conquest until the recent present day.

The information contained within the book is concise and straight to the point. The author has obviously spent a great deal of time amassing a wealth of information on North West African history from a variety of Arabic, French and English sources for example, his extensive use of the great historian Wansharisi is of particular benefit when discussing the development of Islamic culture in North West Africa.

The book covers the various Islamic dynasties in the Maghrib, the society and culture of the region, the French, Portuguese and Spanish conquests of the region including the colonial period, independence and the nations struggle for self identity.

This is a first class book for students of Islamic history or African history and I would strongly recommend the book to University students studying subjects related to the region.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, April 5, 2009

By 

J. Schneider (Monterey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period (Paperback)

I worship this guy. Fascinating book on a difficult region with a wonderful approach that is rigorous and well-documented. Dr. Abun-Nasr has my deep appreciation.