Islam
A New History from Muhammad to the Present
$36.99
- Paperback
304 pages
- Release Date
3 November 2026
Summary
A concise new narrative history of Islam that draws on the transformative insights of recent research to emphasise the diversity and dynamism of the tradition.
Today’s Muslim world is in upheaval: legalists and mystics engage in intense debates, radical groups invoke Sharia, Muslim immigrants in the West face prejudice and discrimination, and Muslim feminists advocate new interpretations of the Koran. At the same time, Islam is mischaracterised as unitary and unchangi…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780691265803 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0691265801 |
| Author: | John Tolan |
| Publisher: | Princeton University Press |
| Imprint: | Princeton University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 304 |
| Release Date: | 3 November 2026 |
| Dimensions: | 133mm x 203mm |
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Critics Review
”[A] vibrant and sweeping survey… . Tolan’s impressive geographic scope and fine-grained historical detail combine for a masterful portrait of Islam as a religion and culture. The result is the definitive history of a complex faith.” * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
”[A] compelling case for diversity, tolerance, and pluralism within Islam… . A recommended intro to the history of the Muslim world.” * Booklist, starred review *
“Well researched and objective.” * Kirkus Reviews *
“The book focuses primarily on political events in Islamic history and their role in the making and unmaking of Islam. In so doing, it makes a meaningful contribution for Islamic scholars, academicians and individuals to understand the evolution of Islam from Muhammad to present.”—Haider Ali, LSE Review of Books
“A perfect, revised narrative to present to students of all levels regarding how dynamic and diverse Muslim practices and the societies they built came to be… . [Islam] is fluid and accessible enough to serve as a primary entry point to help readers remember that the same dynamism that made the Islamic world of the past remains very much relevant to Muslims today… . Highly recommended.” * Choice *
“Brilliant.”—Jacques Parker, Religious Studies Review
”[A] vibrant and sweeping survey… . Tolan’s impressive geographic scope and fine-grained historical detail combine for a masterful portrait of Islam as a religion and culture. The result is the definitive history of a complex faith.” * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
”[A] compelling case for diversity, tolerance, and pluralism within Islam… . A recommended intro to the history of the Muslim world.” * Booklist, starred review *
“Well researched and objective.” * Kirkus Reviews *
“The book focuses primarily on political events in Islamic history and their role in the making and unmaking of Islam. In so doing, it makes a meaningful contribution for Islamic scholars, academicians and individuals to understand the evolution of Islam from Muhammad to present.”—Haider Ali, LSE Review of Books
“A perfect, revised narrative to present to students of all levels regarding how dynamic and diverse Muslim practices and the societies they built came to be… . [Islam] is fluid and accessible enough to serve as a primary entry point to help readers remember that the same dynamism that made the Islamic world of the past remains very much relevant to Muslims today… . Highly recommended.” * Choice *
“Brilliant.”—Jacques Parker, Religious Studies Review
John Tolan
John Tolan is professor emeritus of history at the University of Nantes. His books include England’s Jews, Faces of Muhammad, Saint Francis and the Sultan, and Saracens.
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