Islam: The Straight Path Updated with New Epilogue, 3rd edition [Paperback]

John L. Esposito (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0195182669 | ISBN-13: 978-0195182668 | Edition: 3 Rev Upd

This updated version of Islam: The Straight Path includes a new Epilogue by John Esposito in which he addresses the impact 9/11 and its aftermath have had on both the Muslim and non-Muslim world, discussing Islam's relationship to democracy and modernity and focusing more sharply on the origins and growth of extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam.
This exceptionally successful survey text introduces the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its earliest origins up to its contemporary resurgence. Esposito, an internationally renowned expert on Islam, traces the development of this dynamic faith and its impact on world history and politics, discussing the formation of Islamic belief and practice and chronicling the struggle of Muslims to define and adhere to their Islamic way of life. Lucidly written and expansive in scope, Islam: The Straight Path provides keen insight into one of the world's least understood religions and is ideally suited for use in courses on Islam, comparative religions, and Middle Eastern history and culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for previous editions: "The answer to every teacher's prayer for an informed and balanced introductory book. Elegantly written, beautifully synthesized, and helpful."--Leila Fawaz, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

"A splendid introduction to Islam. Esposito paints over a wide canvas in depicting the emergence of the Muslim community, the varieties of Muslim beliefs and practices, the tensions between tradition and modernity, and the Islamic resurgence of recent years...A timely gem."--Philip Khoury, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The best and most obvious choice for courses on Islam, Islamic history, and Middle Eastern history. Well-written and accessible to undergraduates. The best English language text on Islam."--Robert S. Kramer, St. Norbert College

"One of the best introductory texts on Islam and the Islamic world. I think the book's greatest strength is that it's written in a way that is comprehensible and easily accessible without compromising substance."--Ibrahim Kalim, College of the Holy Cross

About the Author

John L. Esposito is at Georgetown University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 Rev Upd edition (December 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195182669
• ISBN-13: 978-0195182668
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #489,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John L. Esposito is University Professor of Religion and International Affairs at Georgetown University and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin-Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He is the editor of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Modern Islam and The Oxford History of Islam, and author of Unholy War, What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam, and many other acclaimed works.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth About Islam, January 20, 2005

By 

Glutton for books (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Islam: The Straight Path Updated with New Epilogue, 3rd edition (Paperback)

Many books these days claim to give readers "a true depiction," of Islam, but most of them fail to live up to their promise. "Islam:The Straight Path," is an exception to that rule.

Esposito's book is the most objective overview on Islamic beliefs published, and is required reading for any one who wants to understand prevalent beliefs and virtues held in esteem, embraced and practiced by Islamic societies in countries across the world - not only where Islam is the dominant religion, but also in countries such as the US and UK where Islam is a religion of a minority. Esposito highlights how the interpretation and articulation of values may differ depending on cultural settings.

This book is often a standard core text for survey courses on Islamic societies, Islamic history and basic relgion courses for good reason. It is comprehesive in its analysis and provides a great wealth of information in very accessible form. No serious student of world affairs or religious dialogue can afford to ignore this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Intro to Islam, August 15, 2007

By 

Saad Ansari - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Islam: The Straight Path Updated with New Epilogue, 3rd edition (Paperback)

Esposito does a good job writting an introduction to Islam. This is a worthwhile educational piece for non-Muslims and Muslims alike.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Islam: Fact or Fiction, February 8, 2007

By 

Genine M. Hopkins "Struggling Student" (Houghton Lake, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Islam: The Straight Path Updated with New Epilogue, 3rd edition (Paperback)

Esposito does a fine job of relating Islam to the lay person. His text is easy to read, the definitions are solid and he dispells much of the myth surrounding Islam. The newest text references 9/11 and the radical sects which have surfaced since then.

I would highly recommend this text to teachers and students alike; as well as those who are simply looking for a way to properly understand the history, beliefs and laws of Islam.