Islam in Europe [Paperback]

Jack Goody (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0745631932 | ISBN-13: 978-0745631936 | Edition: 1

This vigorously argued book reveals the central role that Islam has played in European history. Following the movement of people, culture and religion from East to West, Goody breaks down the perceived opposition between Islam and Europe, showing Islam to be a part of Europe's past and present. In an historical analysis of religious warfare and forced migration, Goody examines our understanding of legitimate violence, ethnic cleansing and terrorism. His comparative perspective offers important and illuminating insights into current political problems and conflicts. Goody traces three routes of Islam into Europe, following the Arab through North Africa, Spain and Mediterranean Europe; the Turk through Greece and the Balkans; and the Mongol through Southern Russia to Poland and Lithuania. Each thrust made its mark on Europe in terms of population and culture. Yet this was not merely a military impact: especially in Spain, but elsewhere too, Europe was substantially modified by this contact. Today it takes the form of some eleven million immigrants, not to speak of the possible incorporation of further millions through Bosnia, Albania and Turkey.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This vigorously argued book reveals the central role that Islam has played in European history. Following the movement of people, culture and religion from East to West, Goody breaks down the perceived opposition between Islam and Europe, showing Islam to be a part of Europe's past and present. In an historical analysis of religious warfare and forced migration, Goody examines our understanding of legitimate violence, ethnic cleansing and terrorism. His comparative perspective offers important and illuminating insights into current political problems and conflicts.

Goody traces three routes of Islam into Europe, following the Arab through North Africa, Spain and Mediterranean Europe; the Turk through Greece and the Balkans; and the Mongol through Southern Russia to Poland and Lithuania. Each thrust made its mark on Europe in terms of population and culture. Yet this was not merely a military impact: especially in Spain, but elsewhere too, Europe was substantially modified by this contact. Today it takes the form of some eleven million immigrants, not to speak of the possible incorporation of further millions through Bosnia, Albania and Turkey.

About the Author

Jack Goody is Emeritus William Wyse Professor of Social Anthropology at St. Johns College, Cambridge.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Polity; 1 edition (February 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745631932
• ISBN-13: 978-0745631936
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #834,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Goody on Islam, August 13, 2005

By 

Cynthia N. Webbstock - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Islam in Europe (Paperback)

This volume gives an outstanding historic review of Islam, past and present with very clear indications of the religion, societal and civilized components of a group of humankind as it moved through Europe. Parallels can be gleened in the book of similar movements in the other world religions and reasons for migration. Goody very clearly indicates that the reader needs to see this civilization as of equal importance to any other in the world and respect and consideration needs to be components of understanding the complexities of this group. As with all societies the complexities and ambiguities are clearly evident.