Historical Dictionary of Islam »

The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Islam presents a concise overview of Islamic history, religion, philosophy, and Islamic political movements.

Library Journal

Written for both the layperson and the scholar, this second edition of a book first published by Scarecrow in 2001 is a concise resource on the history of Islam as a religion, a philosophy, and a political movement. Its dictionary-style entries are cross-referenced and include short biographies of the individuals who shaped Islam in its formative stages during the Middle Ages. Written by Adamec (Afghanistan 1900–1923: A Diplomatic History), who is considered an authority on the history and politics of the Middle East region, the book includes a chronology, a map of the Islamic world, a list of acronyms and abbreviations, and a brief introduction to the world of Islam. An extended bibliography suggests resources for more in-depth research on all the topics discussed. BOTTOM LINE Comparable with such books as The A to Z of Islam and Historical Dictionary of Prophets in Islam and Judaism, this clearly written and thoughtfully organized resource by an expert is most suitable for public libraries; academic libraries may consider it as a basic introduction to the field.—Luis J. Gonzalez, Hunter Coll. Libs., NY