In these troubled and extremist times; when the religion and culture of Islam are under seemingly perpetual attack; it is salutary to consider how much we; in the Christian West; have in common with; and how much we owe to; the spiritual insights of that great culture. Religious tolerance; respect for learning; the concepts of chivalry and brotherhood - these principles were brought by the Islamic Moors when; in medieval Spain; they acted as "Beacons of Light" in the Dark Ages of European religious arrogance; intolerance and persecution. The Moors gave Europe an architectural and artistic heritage that is still a source of wonder to the modern world. It was in translation from Arabic; not the original Greek; that knowledge of Greek philosophy became prominent in Christian thought. Western mathematics are based on Arabic numerals and calculations; and the first effective medical school in Europe was founded by Jewish doctors who had been trained in Moorish Spain and North Africa. Tim Wallace-Murphy shows how over the last century it was European Western powers who laid the foundations for the chaos that reigns in the Middle East. We need to find a just and equitable solution to these problems and we should begin by acknowledging our common spiritual heritage and the profound debt that Western civilization owes to Islamic culture.
#775061 in Books 2001-08-25 2001-08-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .39 x .1 x 7.16l; .39 #File Name: 184176307148 pages
Review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Amazing shipsBy Allen MarinoGiven the limitations the South had in supplies they produced some amazing ships. What a difference world it would be if they had more factories better rail.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Confederate Ironclad by Angus KonstamBy Peter F. LessesAngus Konstam is an English naval historian with a wide range of interests from 20th century military ships to the American Civil War navies. This short book of only 47 pages has some unusual photographs and facts about the curious Confederate naval vessels. Although there isn't an actual picture of the famous Merrimac; there is a revealing one of the similar Atlanta after it was captured by the Weehauken and Nahant. Near the end are useful statistics on each vessel that was operational. This book is highly recommended for those interested in this subject.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Confederate ironclads didn't "just happen"By James D. CrabtreeDuring the Civil War Union forces ran into Confederate ironclads throughout the southern states; everywhere in between the Red River and Norfolk. Reading this book; you get the sense of the Confederate Navy's attempt to provide a uniform set of vessels; well-armed and usually well-armored. These vessels employed a new naval design to try to offset the large number of ships available to the Federal Navy. The book lists the various ironclads commissioned (or being built) and provides rare photos and drawings of these ships. Original artwork enhances this product. The only weakness in the volume is that it doesn't really discuss whether the design had a basis in European thought or if the design was solely the result of Confederate naval architects.I recently visited Kinston NC and saw the full-scale replica of the CSS Neuse there. I wish I had read this book first as I think I would have better appreciated it's design and story.
