A study of the cause and effects of Napoleon's removal from power and his subsequent murder in 1821. The second of three volumes; it analyzes the diplomatic intrigue and deception which aided in the ultimate demise of Napoleon. By the author of "Waterloo: New Perspectives".
#2309842 in Books Oneworld 2006-10-20 2006-10-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .61 x 5.62l; .75 #File Name: 1851684026160 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. well-written introduction for the popular marketBy David Reid RossThis book is in a series of "Makers of the Muslim World" which Patricia Crone is overseeing. I know of Stephen Humphreys from his translation of Tabari over the years 644-655 (but of course I can't review that book here). I'll just say he's to be trusted on Uthman. Here he's writing about Uthman's cousin Muawiya. How does he do?Muawiya is a controversial figure; as Humphreys points out; his ACTIONS are well-known from the Hadith and also from non-Muslim witness; but no-one has much of a handle on what Muawiya *thought*. Humphreys sees the amir as a warlord whose main aim was to maintain order in the new Islamic empire. Muawiya used Islam as a tool to that end. His chief virtue was "hilm"; the real antonym to "jahl"; where the Arab virtue was in raids and physical courage; Muawiya's virtue was in calmly working the political levers so he didn't HAVE to fight....Except against the Byzantines. But if he'd brought low the Romans; the Arabs might not have to fight a real opponent again; ever.So anyway. I didn't see much here to quibble with; beyond this or that year of this or that Roman raid which could be moved in this or that direction. Humphreys does omit; or is more likely unaware of; some primary source material - namely Dashkurantsi's history of the Caucasian Albanians. But none of it much affects the main thrust of this book.Other than that; it's a quick and breezy read; and as informative as any biography of this close-lipped figure can be. I recommend it for any students of the period wanting a scholarly-consensus introduction to this amir. I'd also recommend it to Muslims; if they're moderate enough not to see the amir as infallible or hopelessly evil.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Simply brilliantBy MonaThis little book offers so much and it is brilliant! Congratulations for Prof. Humphreys for packing so much into this book. Indispensable to understanding the first century of Islam. Beautifully written; concise; well researched... a real find.
