This book is a sequel to the author's Islamic History A.D. 600-750 (A.H. 132). A New Interpretation. It presents for the first time a clear narrative analysis of the central events in the Islamic domains between the rise of the 'Abbasids and the Saljuq invasion (A.D. 750-1055/ A.H. 132-448). This period witnessed the establishment of a new regime; its failure to live up to its revolutionary ideals and the gradual dissolution of a vast empire into lesser political entitles. The task of creating a political structure supported by viable institutions to rule their territories proved beyond the 'Abbasids. Nor were they able to accomplish the economic integration of the empire; largely expanding urban centres with those of the rural communities. The result was endemic revolts in rural areas; notably those of Babak; the Zanj and the Qaramita. The wealth of the 'Abbasid empire attracted vast volumes of international trade. Each region in the empire wished to pursue its own interest in this trade; and competition for an ever-larger share soon developed into uncontrollable interregional strife. Lacking political and economic organization to maintain the integrity of their empire; the 'Abbasids resorted to military power. Consequently military leaders established their own rule in the regions and became powerful adversaries to central government. On the other hand the local populations in the outer provinces rose under their chiefs and also became aggressive opponents. It is these developments that explain the rise of the Tahirids; Samanids; Saffarids; Buyids; Ghaznavids; Tulunids; Hamdanids; and other regional power groups. Dr Shaban also studies the rise to power in Tunisia and later in Egypt; replacing the crumbling rule of military dynasties in both provinces. The revolutionary idealism of the Fatimids; however; failed to win the support of their subject populations; and their economic policies led to the ruination of their regime. The arrival of the Saljuqs on the scene marks the beginning of a new epoch in Islamic history. Dr Shaban has based his book on a fresh study of the original sources; and he offers many new and challenging insights into the historical account of the period. He has kept in view the needs of the reader who might be bewildered by the mass of proper names involved and has deliberately concentrated on the main outlines of the period as a whole.
#1287837 in Books 2011-02-28 2011-05-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .71 x 5.98l; .85 #File Name: 0521132460288 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An intellectual history that traces the views British settlers of ...By BoboAn intellectual history that traces the views British settlers of N. America had of their relationship to the land; Native Americans and government; in the colonies and in England; vs. the views many in England had.Briefly; the settlers felt that through their intrepid expansion into wilderness; out of which they built their communities; they were entitled to a large degree of self-government and territorial expansion; along with rights of free Englishmen. Many opposed to this view in Britain felt the settler colonies were an extension of the British domain; owing more obedience to Parliament; increasing imperial authority and frustrating settler plans to expand into Native lands.The book traces arguments on both sides as the colonies go through periods of greater and lesser imperial control leading up to the Revolution.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An intellectual history; but short enough to be palatable ...By John RodriguezAn intellectual history; but short enough to be palatable to generalists. Yirush made a solid case that North American colonials were already rationalizing their property; personal; and political prerogatives within a natural rights framework long before the Revolution. These rationalizations were often articulated without any reference to John Locke; as might be supposed by some academics. That said; Yirush's work could been a bit more engaging if he had more vividly centered the personalities who first made the various written rationales for simultaneous colonial integration and exceptionalism within the British empire. A timeline (perhaps displayed via a colonial map) and a portrait or sketch of two would have also made the work a bit more memorable; while providing visual references for the reader. A logical work to precede any Revolutionary era class.0 of 8 people found the following review helpful. reviewBy Andrea PSI was requires for a review but I haven't read it yet; before a review you'd need read at least a chapter
