Customer Reviews

Islamic Technology: An Illustrated History

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Around the same time that Professor Nasr began publishing works dealing with so called 'Islamic science' this book came out. Filled with illistations it goes through the history of science and technology as they were practiced in the middle east up until the 19th century. It also looks at the contributions made by Muslim/Middle Easter scientists to science in general more interesingly it also asks questions as to why science declined in the 'Muslim world' and compares it with the rise of science in the West.

An exellent book that asks more than a few difficult questions some of which are still awaiting answers.

(for some info) "Publisher's Note: In this lavishly illustrated survey, a historian and an engineer present a pioneering survey of the major achievements of Islamic civilization. They examine the public works of civil engineering, the machines and mechanical devices that served to control water, provide power, serve as instruments or amuse. They also explore chemical processes, textile, leather and paper manufacture, agricultural and food production, mining, and metallurgy."

Why Cambridge let this one-of-a-kind book go out of print is a mystery. There is nothing else like it and it fills a major gap by providing an introduciton to the field.

Come on CUP, how about an updated edition? Or at least put this back in print as-is.