Written with insight and expertise, and lavishly illustrated, this is a major cultural history of the Islamic world from Muhammad to the present day. De-mystifying the Islamic world and celebrating its achievments, this book covers everything from its commerce, social ordering, knowlege and learning to its art, architecture, and material culture. Emphasis is placed throughout on the close interrelationship between the West and the Islamic world, and the large cultural debt they owe one another. This book enriches our understanding of Muslim civilization and places in perspective its role in the world today.
