From the refined Geisha of the Imperial Court to the learned hetaerae of Ancient Greece; the captivating history of courtesans and slave girls transcends countless cultural boundaries and fields of academic study. The Slave Girls of Baghdad explores the origins; education and art of the ""qiyan"" -- indentured girls and women who entertained and entranced the caliphs and aristocrats who worked the labyrinths of power within ninth-century Baghdad and throughout the Abbasid Empire. Through a detailed analysis of Islamic law; historical sources and poetry; F. Matthew Caswell examines the qiyans' unique place in Abbasid society and their contested moral standing; providing a comprehensive overview and cultural comparison of an elusive and alluring institution. This fascinating history will be essential reading for all interested in the story of slavery along with the rich world of the Abbasid Empire more widely.
#1853892 in Books Osprey Publishing 2007-11-20 2007-11-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 246.63 x .14 x 7.24l; #File Name: 184603194X64 pages9781846031946
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The inspiration of deadly firepower...By HMS WarspiteThe American Civil War witnessed an explosion in the lethality of rifled infantry weapons and artillery. In self-defense; the Confederate and Union Armies became experts in the art of field fortification. Building on pre-war instruction at West Point; both sides improvised surprisingly effective defenses on battlefields and around threatened population areas."American Civil War Fortifications (2)" is an Osprey Fortress Series entry; authored by Ron Field; with illustrations by Peter Dennis. The book offers a thorough explanation of the key elements of field fortifications; before launching into a concise review of the role of they played in the conduct of the fighting. Sieges typically prompted the construction of elaborate field fortifications. The originally improvised but increasingly sophisticated defensive lines around Washington; D.C. and Richmond are an example. The extended siege of Petersburg in 1863-1864 is a highlight both of the art of field fortification and of this book. The narrative is nicely supplemented by period photographs and schematics; along with some very well done modern illustrations."American Civil War Fortifications (2)" is a very interesting introduction to the subject; easily accessible to the general reader and likely to be worthwhile for the student of the Civil War. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Del ClarkGreat reference book; does not include Fort Fisher; NC the Confederacy's largest land fortification. Disappointing.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great for school reportsBy CustomerExcellent resource. Great pictures and grandson got an A on his report!
