Islam

the long version

"Islam: A Thousand Years of Faith and Power explores the first millennium of Islamic culture, from the revelation to Muhammad to the great Islamic empires. This accessible overview shatters stereotypes and enlightens readers - both Muslim and non-Muslim alike - to the many sources of contemporary Muslim civilization.". "Islam examines the world at the rise of Islam, the life of Muhammad, Islamic principles of faith, the golden age of the Abbasid empire, the Mongol invasion of the thirteenth century, and the great Ottoman, Persian, and Mughal empires that emerged in their wake. In its first thousand years, Islamic civilization flourished in cities between Spain and Central Asia. Many old cities such as Jerusalem, Damascus, and Alexandria continued to thrive, while many new ones, including Fez, Tunis, Cairo, and Baghdad, were founded. While Europe suffered through the Dark Ages, Muslims made remarkable strides in the realms of science, medicine, literature, and art.". "Authors Bloom and Blair provide a readable, yet in-depth narrative explaining the many intellectual and cultural developments of early Islam, as well as the repercussions of its broadening power. The narrative is complemented by translated excerpts of the Koran, poetry, biographies, and other works of Islamic literature, including a travel guide from the ninth century and a recipe from the thirteenth.". "With a comprehensive bibliography and full-color reproductions of Islamic art and architecture, Islam is a wonderful introduction to the rich history of a glorious civilization that is still radically affecting the world."--BOOK JACKET.