"The Muqaddimah," often translated as "Introduction" or "Prolegomenon," is the most important Islamic history of the premodern world. Written by... read full description
reviews
Mar 25, 2011
A.J.
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The Muqaddimah is a pleasurable read for experts with many surprises (in the background/sidelines). Rosenthal's bracket fillers are sometimes annoying and misleading. Khaldun finished the work in 1377, which is a pivotal year in both, the Renaissance and also the decline of Islam civilization into intellectual and economic poverty. It is written at a time where much of Islam's high culture had already been lost. The Muqaddimah is full of superstitions that replaced earlier Arab knowledge.
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Apr 11, 2010
I had to add this after hearing the In Our Time podcast by Melvyn Bragg about this author (listen here). Blurb:
Melvyn Bragg and guests Robert Hoyland, Robert Irwin and Hugh Kennedy discuss the life and ideas of the 14th-century Arab philosopher of history Ibn Khaldun.More...
Ibn Khaldun was a North African statesman who retreated into the desert in 1375. He emerged having written one of the most important ever studies of the workings of history.
Khaldun was born in Tunis in 1332.
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Aug 19, 2010
Corinne
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I read this book because my History of Islam professor recommended it in a class last fall. 8 months later I looked through my notes and saw that I wrote down that I wanted to read it, and so I did.
This book surprised me in that I actually enjoyed reading it. I figured it would have good information but be tedious and boring. Not the case, Ibn Khaldun (and perhaps with the help of the translator) has a curious nature and a light humor in his work. He really steps back and looks at More...
This book surprised me in that I actually enjoyed reading it. I figured it would have good information but be tedious and boring. Not the case, Ibn Khaldun (and perhaps with the help of the translator) has a curious nature and a light humor in his work. He really steps back and looks at More...
Jan 27, 2012
Chris
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I tried reading the unabrdiged version of this translation twenty years ago after reading Toynbee's high praise, and never made it near the end. But this time it was fantastic. This is one of the great books of Western Civilisation. We would be so much better off today if we had the same common sense grasp of philosophy, pedagogy, and economics Ibn Khaldun displays here. His section on speculative theology alone contains everything anyone with a little bit of gumption needs to wipe the floor wit
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Nov 02, 2011
Ruhat
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according to khaldun;The animal world then widens, its species become numerous, and, in a gradual process of creation, it finally leads to man, who is able to think and reflect. The higher stage of man is reached from the world of monkeys, in which both sagacity and perception are found, but which has not reached the stage of actual reflection and thinking. At this point we come to the first stage of man. This is as far as our (physical) observation extends.
he is a genius
he is a genius
Jun 04, 2009
Jason Williams
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Even for the abridged edition, this can be a tedious read, but definitely rewarding. I would like to give it a second go when I get a chance. It's a really good look at the 'history of history' as a topic of interest, a social force, and a professional practice. But it's also a good look at the Islamic-Mediterranean cosmopolitanism amidst the European 'dark ages.'
May 14, 2009
Kholood
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This is an incredible book! It gives you the political history of the world that we now call the Middle East. At times, you get a bit tired of hearing 'group feeling' over and over, but it's a wonderful read. I can't emphasize just how important it is to read if you have interest in that region.
Apr 07, 2011
The print in this edition is so tiny that I have placed THE MUQADDIMAH on my list of books to read in the future. The unabridged version may be far more accessible.
Apr 24, 2008
Anne
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Ibn Khaldun is quite possibly one of the greatest minds we've ever had. I had to buy this book for my Origins of Pre-Islamic Arabian Civilizations course, and we only had to read a small excerpt, but I read it all. He's an unbelievable mind.
I'm rather disappointed this book was used only as a tool to aid Islamic theology (though it absolutely helped). But Khaldun wrote some of the VERY first theories on historiography (my favorite subject, it even beats out biochemistry and civil po More...
I'm rather disappointed this book was used only as a tool to aid Islamic theology (though it absolutely helped). But Khaldun wrote some of the VERY first theories on historiography (my favorite subject, it even beats out biochemistry and civil po More...
May 22, 2009
Jerry
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240b. included as a representative of pure alterity. discuss as you will.
Apr 10, 2010
Rose
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A fascinating look at the history (and geography) of the world from the perspective of a well-traveled Islamic scholar/politician in the 14th century (late golden age of Islam). It also includes, among many other things, a detailed discussion of how to tell real prophets from fake. I remember that part, I think, because it drove home for me how very different his world and mindset are from mine.
Feb 11, 2010
nanto
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Belinya waktu masih di Bandung. 30 ribu di Palasari. waktu itu tahun 2000. Segitu saja dulu, karena harus baca ulang biar fresh ingatan akan isi buku ini.
Oct 21, 2007
Ruli
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karena terjemahan, agak ga nyambung...susah banget...mesti pelan2 pada banyak bagian
Oct 30, 2011
Lee
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The best book ive ever read. Truly opened my eyes and mind to the world around me.
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