What made Muslim Spain a unique and successful society? Richard Hitchcock explores the background to its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain; using a chronological framework while constantly keeping in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country; major and minor dynasties; foreign groupings and repeated invasions from North Africa.You'll learn about the main historical developments in depth; such as the self-defeating independence of the Taifas; the so-called 'Party Kings'; and the prolonged colonisation of the Muslim subject population under the increasingly severe dominance of the Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile. You'll also find wide-ranging discussion of important topics such as inter-faith relations; multi-ethnic competing groups and how intellectual life was enriched by pluralism and influences from abroad.
#338062 in Books Polity 2013-05-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .73 x 6.00l; .85 #File Name: 0745649661240 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent text to use in a Philosophy and Race course (and for anyone genuinely interested in race and racism to read)By CustomerI teach a college course called Philosophy and Race and have used Taylor's book in it for three semesters now. It works wonderfully; especially when combined with parts of Elizabeth Anderson's THE IMPERATIVE OF INTEGRATION and Lawrence Blum's "I'M NOT A RACIST; BUT...": THE MORAL QUANDARY OF RACE. Although Taylor's book is; as the title indicates; an INTRODUCTION to race; it is not necessarily an easy book to read. But that has everything to do with the complexity of the race-related concepts and issues the book focuses on. That complexity may make for difficulty in reading at times; but the book rewards careful reading; precisely the type of reading expected of students in a college course and that instructors can assist students in accomplishing.6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Must-read for understanding racism in western societiesBy Sed MajorThis is a significant contribution to understanding how racism and white supremacy developed in western societies and how it structures our thinking and relationships. I learned a great deal even though I'm not well versed in philosophy.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very didactical. The clarity of Paul C. Taylor ...By Mabel SarcoVery didactical. The clarity of Paul C. Taylor definitions and the careful analysis on this matter; make this book really a jewel for whom; as me; are interested in race matters. Thank you!
