This exceptionally successful survey text introduces the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its earliest origins up to its contemporary resu...
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Dec 08, 2011
Will
rated it: 
This book is an excellent primer on Islam on a multitude of dimensions: historical, religious, modern, cultural, anthropological, scientific. I found this book to be the best guide to Islam, and I especially enjoyed its final chapter which dealt with modern history (up to mid-2009). It assimilates the many different streams of Islam into a readable work but one that is certainly well-researched and well written. This book was read for a course on Islam and I found it nearly as helpful as the cla
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Aug 18, 2011
Zbhall
rated it: 
This does not seem like a very good introduction to Islam. I am not sure of the importance of covering obscure sects from centuries ago and all of that. The book is very dry, not much fun to read, and seems like an awful choice for a college survey course as it seems quite apologetic and does a very poor job of dealing with the current social issues and such within Islam. Nor does it go over any of the issues involving Islam and the outside world. Overall, I can't really recommend this.
Jan 11, 2011
Rachael
rated it: 
This isn't a bad introduction to Islam. If you think this is a monolithic faith Esposito will astonish you on that account. My major complaint is that this is mostly textbook dry and strikes me as slightly apologetic. I particularly enjoyed his acocunt of Black Islam in the US.
Sep 05, 2008
Katie
rated it:
I mostly skimmed through and read the parts that interested me. But it provided a good overview of the development of Islam, the divisions within Islam and beliefs/practices. I especially found the info on how early Islam improved the rights of women to be interesting. However, I was hoping there would be more on Indonesia here (the country with the largest Muslim population), but I guess you can't cover everything in a college survey textbook.
Oct 12, 2007
Malcolm
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I read this many years ago in a class on Islam in college. I remember it as being balanced, although not particularly good at addressing some of the more troublesome aspects of how Islam is manifest in different cultures.
It is, however, a sensitive and careful look at the constants in Islam, the religion, and is an excellent introduction to the subject.
It is, however, a sensitive and careful look at the constants in Islam, the religion, and is an excellent introduction to the subject.
Dec 07, 2011
Sara
rated it:
Very dry.
It's not really relevant to understanding Islam unless you're studying where the extremist groups first originated or you just want to know about the historical movements of the religion.
I though John Esposito could do much better than that.
It's not really relevant to understanding Islam unless you're studying where the extremist groups first originated or you just want to know about the historical movements of the religion.
I though John Esposito could do much better than that.
Feb 03, 2011
This is a good basic text on Islam, from history to orthodoxy to the variety of sects in the religion of Islam. The Protestants in the group thought that Esposito’s view of “Christianity” was a view of pre-Vatican II Catholicism. Recommended, although some found No god, but God a better choice. (Review by Metro West)
Nov 09, 2008
Dillon
rated it:
People always ask me what a great intro to Islam book is, and this is it. Esposito does a fantastic job, and it is the best I have seen of its kind (in its 3rd edition even, I think). It does have some flaws, but what book doesn't.
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Oct 16, 2007
I gave up after the first couple of chapters. What I read was definitely good, but I just lost interest. Too many schisms in the religion and just not enough dedication on my part. Plus, the library wanted it back.
Aug 16, 2007
Shawne
rated it:
A clear, well-written, comprehensive treatment of Islam and its history. Perfect for beginners, though a bit simplistic otherwise.
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