A few titles from my Islamic history bookshelf on a ‘bed’ of papyri given to me by a friend. The papyri show verses from the Quran.
For the record I’m 100% atheist but have an interest in early religious histories, particularly Islamic and Jewish. My final year dissertation at university was on the development of the mosque from formation to the collapse of the Abbasid Caliphate. Fascinating stuff!
About Rob
Thanks for this great list and recommendations.
On Tuesday (hopefully) I’ll have a review up of a novel I just finished reading, Mother of the Believers by Kamran Pasha, that is a history of Islam as told through the recollections of Aisha. I really enjoyed it!
I too want to read some books about Islam, since my bro-in-law married into an Muslim family. A book on my shelf that I’d like to read (but have not) is Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women by Geraldine Brooks.
says:
Kristen – Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one. Wasn’t the launch delayed on this one for a bit because it caused a bit of controversy?
Mee – The sooner you can get into reading something on Islam the better. I think you’ll be fascinated by it. The one you have there looks like a really interesting title, although a bit heavy for your first introduction? Let me know how you get on with if you remember. I’d love to know
Warmest
Rob
This book wasn’t the one that was delayed (that was The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones) but it’s a similar viewpoint. I’m wondering if it is receiving less negative attention because it is written by a Muslim man. But some of the criticism of Jones’ book was that it played up the sex and violence and was inaccurate in its historical portrayal of Arab traditions. I think that Pasha’s book seemed very authentic.
Here is an article from about 6 months ago that briefly discusses the two books:
http://www.sajaforum.org/2008/09/books-kamran-pa.html
I haven’t been able to find any negative reaction to Mother of the Believers so far.
says:
Kristen – Thanks for putting me ‘in the know’. Just shows how much I know eh? I guess the synopsis for both is quite similar. Anyway I’ll be sure to check out the article in your link. Thanks!
Warmest
Rob