Power in the Portrayal unveils a fresh and vital perspective on power relations in eleventh- and twelfth-century Muslim Spain as reflected in historical and literary texts of the period. Employing the methods of the new historical literary study in looking at a range of texts; Ross Brann reveals the paradoxical relations between the Andalusi Muslim and Jewish elites in an era when long periods of tolerance and respect were punctuated by outbreaks of tension and hostility. The examined Arabic texts reveal a fragmented perception of the Jew in eleventh-century al-Andalus. They depict seemingly contradictory figures at whose poles are an intelligent; skilled; and noble Jew deserving of homage and a vile; stupid; and fiendish enemy of God and Islam. For their part; the Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic texts display a deep-seated reluctance to portray Muslims in any light at all. Brann cogently demonstrates that these representations of Jews and Muslims--each of which is concerned with issues of sovereignty and the exercise of power--reflect the shifting; fluctuating; and ambivalent relations between elite members of two of the ethno-religious communities of al-Andalus. Brann's accessible prose is enriched by his splendid translations; the original texts are also included. This book is the first to study the construction of social meaning in Andalusi Arabic; Judeo-Arabic; and Hebrew literary texts and historical chronicles. The novel approach illuminates nuances of respect; disinterest; contempt; and hatred reflected in the relationship between Muslims and Jews in medieval Spain.
#2943559 in Books Princeton University Press 2004-07-26 2004-07-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .55 x 6.14l; .76 #File Name: 069111949X240 pages
Review
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Colors and Blood: Flag Passions of the Confederate SouthBy Thomas M. FlemingIf you want to read a long winded; repetative diatribe of commonly known facts with an ample sprinking from the politically correct cult; then this book is for you ! If you enjoy reading the same thing over and over ad nauseam then grab this book up...if you have troulble getting to sleep; then by all means; this book will get you into the land of Morpheus quickly. It's clear that this tome was prepared to fullfill the student's thesis or some other acedemic requirement. There are so many other books on this topic which offer more substance and are not so redundant. Please save your money; your time and pass this book up.8 of 18 people found the following review helpful. A brilliant work by a sensational historianBy A CustomerDon't be fooled by all those boring end notes at the back of the book. Colors Blood is a real page turner. Sure it's also a profound and thought-provoking meditation on the meaning of symbols in the development of a nation's conscience. But it also tells a great story; a story that should be handed down from generation to generation. Look no further for the perfect gift for your dad the Civil War buff; your mom the cook book buff; or your neice; nephew; aunt; uncle; son; daughter; grandparent or in-laws. Colors Blood has something for everyone. Plus the photo of the author on the dust jacket is pretty cute.
