The sect known as "the Assassins;" a corruption of an Arabic word that means hashish smoker; is familiar to the West as a mystical cult of killers led by the "Man in the Mountain" encountered by the Crusaders. But it was not defeat at the hands of Christians that ended more than a century of Assassin rule; it was the massive and brutal invasion of Mongols from the East who conquered Assassin strong points and mountain fortifications one by one; crushing nearly all traces of this once fearsome sect. For nearly two centuries the Fâtimids; Shi'ite Muslims who believed Mohammed's daughter Fâtimah was his successor; attempted to control the Islamic world from their seat in Cairo.Following the death of the Fâtimid caliphate al Mustansir in 1094; members of a faction in Persia that supported a deposed claimant to the caliphate; Nizâr; believed they now represented Fâtimid interests. These Nizârî Ismâî'lîs ended up separating themselves from mainstream Islam and creating their own state in parts of present-day Syria; Iraq; and Iran. In order to establish and maintain regional control; the Nizârî Ismâî'lîs used political murders and spies to subjugate or influence rival caliphates and the dominant Saljûqs.Marshall Hodgson's first major book; The Secret Order of the Assassins remains the most complete history of the Assassins. Beginning the story with the separation of Sunnis and Shi'ites and the rise of Ismâî'lîsm; an offshoot of Shi'ism; Hodgson traces the long and complex history of power struggles within Islam that led ultimately to the separation of the Nizârî Ismâî'lîs and their direct challenge to Muslim leadership. Hodgson goes on to explain the principles of the movement; provides an examination of their sacred texts; and follows the history of the group from the pinnacle of power in the mid-eleventh century to its legacy in the form of small pockets of followers in parts of contemporary Syria and India. Long out of print and appearing for the first time in paperback; this book is an illuminating study in the history of Islam.
#1812334 in Books Stackpole Books 2009-09-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.94 x .97 x 6.16l; 1.34 #File Name: 0811736008384 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. NoteworthyBy Michael E. FitzgeraldAuthor Robert W. Black is a retired U.S. Army Ranger. In this work he examines the origins of Ranger activities as exhibited during North America's colonial wars; the Revolutionary War and the early wars in America's history. For the most part historians focus on major battles and turning points during these wars. Black's approach is different. Focusing on Ranger contributions he adds a different dimension to the larger scale engagements and as a material plus details numerous smaller scale actions most historians eliminate in the interest of brevity.I found this work quite worthwhile; particularly in its discussion of Ranger affairs during the Revolutionary and Mexican Wars. For the most part Rangers developed their skill sets on America's frontiers as Europeans adapted to Indian warfare. During the French and Indian War ranging activities were incorporated into the British army. Rangers who served in this capacity would go on to serve with distinction during the Revolution. It was surprising to find out that Israel Putnam; John Stark; George Rogers Clark; Francis Marion; Thomas Knowlton; Thomas Sumter and Daniel Morgan had all honed their military skills in the Rangers. At the Battle of Bunker Hill Putnam; Stark and Knowlton all had more combat experience than the British officers they faced. During the Mexican War Texas Rangers John Hays; Sam Walker; Bigfoot Johnson and Richard Gillespie provided the eyes and ears to Zachary Taylor's American army regulars at the battles of Resaca del Palma; Monterey and Buena Vista; contributing significantly to those victories.This is not a particularly well written book. Many; far too many short choppy sentences lead to rough transitions and disjointed prose. But it is a very worthwhile book. Better understanding Ranger contributions to America's Wars leads to an enhanced understanding of the battles and the military strategy pursued within those wars. Add the smaller actions of a more partisan nature that most historians simply overlook and Robert Black is able to impart a much more complete understanding of events as they occurred.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. These Guys Invented the Green Uniform for Concealment !By Pvt. W. G. Kirby CustomerBook arrived in plenty of time to wrap and send as a Christmas gift. Thanks to and the seller for promptness. I gave this as a gift to a former Ranger. I had the chance to page througg it and it looked interesting to me. Wouls have liked to have seen more maps and illustrations if not photos ( history covered was pre-photography); so I hope the next volume will remedy this. Author is THE authority on the American RANGER units. Gift was well received by the former Ranger; so I hope to soon hear how he feels about it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great secondary source for the hobby historian or professional historianBy gade04Good history of the creation of the American Ranger in the early part of the American Colonies/United States.
