Islam: a historical introduction
Islam traces the religion’s development and its connections with Judaism and Christianity, introducing Muhammad and discussing Islam’s historical influence on liberties, arts and sciences. The book also considers how the faith engages with modern political and economic pressures.
At a glance
- Explores Islam’s relationship with Judaism and Christianity and introduces Muhammad.
- Discusses historical contributions to women’s liberties, the arts and sciences.
- Connects religious history with modern political and economic challenges.
Reference price: $24.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Provides a historical overview that places Islam in relation to other Abrahamic religions.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as thoughtful and the treatment as informative.
Cons
- Some readers consider the book short, so it may not meet expectations for an extensive or highly detailed account.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | W&N |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 May 2002 |
| Edition | 2nd |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 224 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9781842125830 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1842125830 |
| Weight listed | 204 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.2 x 1.8 x 19.6 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a concise historical introduction to Islam.
- Readers interested in Islam’s connections with Judaism and Christianity and its historical context.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a long-form, specialist or comprehensive reference.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
56% 56% - 4 stars
27% 27% - 3 stars
11% 11% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback highlights informative content, historical context and thoughtful writing, while opinions on how engaging the book is vary and some readers find it short. For readers wanting a compact introduction, its 224-page length may be convenient, but those seeking extensive coverage may want a longer work. Overall ratings are mostly in the four- and five-star categories, alongside a smaller spread of lower ratings, which does not by itself explain readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the book as informative and insightful, with a thorough historical overview.
- The writing style is described as thoughtful.
Mixed feedback
- Some readers find the book reasonably interesting, while others consider it short.
Frequently asked questions
What does this book cover?
It traces Islam’s development, its links with Judaism and Christianity, and its historical and modern contexts.
Is this a detailed reference work?
The listing describes a 224-page book, and some customer feedback considers it short. It may suit an introduction better than an extensive reference.
What language is the book in?
The listed language is English.
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