The Arab Conquest of Spain: 710-797 (A History of Spain) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Collins has composed a spirited and challenging survey of the century; the helpful footnotes on almost every page testify to his extensive erudition ... he writes with the confident air of someone pioneering an invigorating, modern approach to a drab and largely forgotten era, and he deserves a discriminating readership." Times Higher Education Supplement

"A challenging picture of eighth-century Spain which gives the kaleidoscope a good shake, allowing students a glimpse of events and trends in that shadowy century in a new light." Muslim World Book Review

Product Description

This book, now available in paperback, is a challenging and controversial account of the history of Spain in the eighth century. In it Roger Collins assesses the political and cultural impact on Spain of the first hundred years of Arab rule, focusing upon aspects of continuity and discontinuity with Visigoth Spain. He begins with a consideration of the background to Arab invasion, and explains how the Arab military occupation of Spain and the restoration of order were achieved. Throughout, events in Spain are set within the wider context of developments in France, North Africa and the Near East.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (February 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631194053
• ISBN-13: 978-0631194057
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #624,905 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Excellent examination of all availible sources, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

Collins appears to be an expert on this topic. However I wish he would share more histroy with us. I understand that not much is known but the reader deserves more information. Unfortunately this is a 200 page bibliography which left me clueless on what happened in Spain during this period. This book should be titled "A List of Chronicles" I want my money back!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meticulous piece of detective work, February 29, 2000

By A Customer

It goes without saying that early medieval Spanish history is something of an acquired taste. However, it is surprising how much can be learnt about the interaction of western European societies and the Arab world by concentrating on this fascinating period of Spain's development. A reader with an interest in history but no specialist knowledge of early Spain can certainly enjoy this book, in which Collins shows himself to be a first-class historical detective!

4.0 out of 5 stars rave, February 27, 1998

By	C. Holland "erigena" (california) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a really wonderful book; Collins writes well and he has a very clear idea of what happened in Spain in the 7-8th century, which is not called the Dark Ages for nothing. Anybody with an interest in the period will love it.