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Lunch » Tags » Books » Reviews » Islam: The Religion and the People

Islam: The Religion and the People

4 Ratings: 4.0

A book by Bernard Lewis

Lewis (Near Eastern studies, emeritus, Princeton Univ.;The Crisis of Islam) and Churchill (former president, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia) offer an accessible introduction to Muslims and their faith. In clear language, the authors cover the … see full wiki

Tags: Books

Author: Bernard Lewis

Genre: Religion & Spirituality

Publisher: Wharton School Publishing

4 reviews about Islam: The Religion and the People

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review by rhaden. November 19, 2008

Very clear and surprisingly entertaining

This gracefully written book combines history, philosophy, theology, and humor to explain the central concepts of Islam and its relationship with other populations. Lewis explains the sometimes confusing varieties of Islam, as well as the changes in political and theological positions over time. He approaches difficult topics such as the place of women in Muslim society, suicide bombings, the concept of the jihad, and radical Islam. Throughout, the tone is compassionate and … more

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review by georgepwood. November 17, 2008

A Good Introduction, with Some Unfortunate Lacunae

Of the making of books about Islam, there is no end, especially not in the post- 9/11 environment. Unfortunately, books about Islam published to a popular readership too often fall into the mutually exclusive categories of hagiography (e.g., those by Karen Armstrong) or demonology (e.g., those of Robert Spencer). Well, almost mutually exclusive. Stephen Schwartz manages both to sanctify Sufism and demonize Wahhabism in the course of one book (The Other Islam). What is needed is a just-the-facts-ma'am … more

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review by PeterReeve. November 09, 2008

Well written and authoritative

I'm not sure how the writing duties were divided up between the two authors - Lewis is given decidedly top billing - but the result is very satisfactory. At 223 pages, (not quite the 256 mentioned in Amazon's description) the book is not encyclopedic, nor does it try or pretend to be, but it offers more than just a brief overview. A comprehensive tome would be too overwhelming for most readers, and a brief introduction would likely be misleading. This is a good compromise. It's a worthy, solid introduction … more

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review by tunguz. October 18, 2008

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A great introduction to Islam

Ever since the events of September 11th 2001 there has been an increase in the interest for Islam in the West, and particularly in the US. This increased interest has resulted in a formidable increase in the number of studies, publications and college courses, all of which try to explain and inform the public about what Islam is, what its basic teachings are, and what is the history of the Islamic world. One was faced with a veritable embarrassment of riches, and there was no easy way to decide … more

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