Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) [Paperback]

Adam J. Silverstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2010 | Series: Very Short Introductions

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

About the Author

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199545723
• ISBN-13: 978-0199545728
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #175,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Teens > Religion & Spirituality > Islam
  • #29 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Theology
  • #77 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > History

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good history book, March 21, 2010

By 

Dr. Bojan Tunguz (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

The predominantly Islamic lands and cultures have gained a lot of prominence in public consciousness in the West over the last ten years. Consequently there have been an untold number of books and articles published with the aim to explain Islamic history and hopefully elucidate how that history bears on the recent geopolitical events. Even thought this very short introduction also addresses those concerns, it does so in a very limited way in the last brief chapter. The primary purpose of the book, however, is to present Islamic History in its own right as a very fascinating and vast subject in its own right.

Islam is a religion that originated in 7th century Arabian Peninsula. In many respects Islam is unique in that it very closely intertwines the politics and religion, and hence it makes much more sense to talk about Islamic History than for instance Buddhist history or even Christian history. The author of this book does not endorse the idea that there is no "separation of church and state" in Islam, and he provides ample historical evidence to support that view. However, it is hard to argue that Islam is not an all-encompassing religious system that aims to shape the society in all of its aspects. For centuries caliphs/imams have served as both heads of state and the principle religious authorities. In fact most of the divisions in Islam can be traced to various historic divisions based on who was thought to poses the rightful claims to this religious/political authority. There are hardly any doctrinal differences between Sunnis and Shias for instance.

The book strikes the right tone between being unduly politically correct at one extreme, and having a completely uncritical negative knee-jerk reaction to everything that has to do with Islam. Unfortunately these two extreme viewpoints have been dominant in the media, and in the case of the former have even entered the academic discussions of Islam. 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. Some of the ideas presented in the book are very intriguing (like the observation that the use of camels was crucial for the early Islamic expansion) and will probably make you think. 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 book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Short but enlightening., March 6, 2011

By 

F.Hoffman - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Kindle Edition)

This book is valuable not only for a historical overview of Islamic tradition, but for the insightful last chapter on current Islam and world perception of it. This book is respectful of the religion while being forthright about some of the less pretty parts of its history. The style of the book is very accessible... some scholars may say it is too broad and not deep enough, but it met my needs... I may want to read a multi-volume work in Islam in the future, but not this weekend.

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice, but Could be Clearer, November 1, 2011

By 

J. Monforton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

This book covers a lot of ground in relatively few pages, but could use a clearer definitions of terms like Shia, Sunni, Caliphate, etc. I found myself repeatedly backtracking to remind myself of specifically who and what was being spoken of, and when they were introduced. I didn't expect a great deal of detail due to brevity, but more concise language would benefit the reader in defining terms.