The figure of the shaman has always been a prominent motif within the Islamic world; particularly in relation to the mystical domain of Sufism. Here; Thierry Zarcone and Angela Hobart offer a vigorous and authoritative exploration of the link between Islam and shamanism in contemporary Muslim culture; examining how the old practice of shamanism was combined with elements of Sufism in order to adapt to wider Islamic society. Shamanism and Islam thus surveys shamanic practices in Central Asia; the Middle East; North Africa and the Balkans; to show how the Muslim shaman; like his Siberian counterpart; cultivated personal relations with spirits to help individuals through healing and divination. It explores the complexities and variety of rituals; involving music; dance and; in some regions; epic and bardic poetry; demonstrating the close links between shamanism and the various arts of the Islamic world. This is the first in-depth exploration of 'Islamized shamanism'; and is a valuable contribution to the field of Islamic Studies; Religion; Anthropology; and an understanding of the Middle East more widely
#515605 in Books Head Of Zeus 2015-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .90 x 5.00 x 7.70l; .61 #File Name: 1781859639288 pagesHead Of Zeus
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Written with a passion and obession.By TimWhat a beautifully; and lovingly; written book about a dramatic and tragic expedition.Like another reviewer; I could not tear myself from reading. I started reading this book in the park and only stopped because it had gotten dark!The author has a passion; an obsession really; with the Andrée expedition and she follows that passion/obsession and takes us along with her to where it leads. I love meeting people with this sort of deep passion/obsession as I have found such people to be so extremely interesting.The last part of the book gives an extremely useful day-by-day chronology of the expedition; with quotes from the expedition diaries of Andrée and Nils Strindberg. This adds greatly with understanding just what the expedition had to endure once on the ice. And the love affair between Strindberg and his fiancée; and the letters and diary entries he wrote to her; will break your heart.The last section of the book gives a very detailed analyzes of all the possible causes for the deaths of the three expedition members. The author gives you the rationale for each and the reader can make their informed decision as to the cause(s) of their deaths. Personally; I agree with the author as to the cause of the deaths. Oh; and to give this beautiful book a 2-star rating simply because the author didn't provide a definitive answer to cause of death is unwarranted; in my opinion.I actually purchased another book about the Andrée expedition at the same time I ordered Bea Uusma's book. That book was entitled 'The Ice Balloon' and from reading both books back-to-back I will say that I much prefer Uusma's 'The Expedition'.I can't write a much finer review than what another reviewer; Gerard Lebar; has written but I will add my 5 stars and urge all to read this gripping and loving book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Russell Bragginteresting book0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A love story in every sense of the word: mysterious; unavoidable; and timeless!By Gerard LebarI've never written anything on here before; because; frankly; I've never been compelled to. But after putting the finishing touches on "The Expedition" last night; I wanted to do my part in spreading the word of this gem of a tale.I happened upon this book in large part due to its cover. It is beautiful; yet haunting; both a cry for help and a calm reassurance. The cover alone isn't worthy of our continued devotion though; the promise of love however; in my opinion; is. "The Expedition;" for all its priceless imagery; unwavering investigation; and compelling mystery; is; at its core; a story of love. And if it does sweet justice to any one virtue; if not all; it is the ever-illusive love.After having spent the last year of my life in northwestern Greenland; I understand - to some; small degree (as much as the comforts of modern technology allow) - the struggles of the Arctic; those that captivate the reader in this mystery throughout. Ms. Uusma does a fine job narrating a rather; evasively complex experience. Her commitment to truth is uncompromising. Although faced with great adversity in uncovering something many have given up on; she stops at nothing to ensure the reader has a luxury rarely afforded in journalistic pieces: all the facts. She allows no assumptions. Refuses the acceptance of half-truths or prevailing theories. She looks under every rock; into every cranny (literally and metaphorically). Her communion with the past is a rare achievement!In the end; instead of being told how to think; she affords the reader the opportunity to relive the investigation for themselves. "How did they die?" is important. But this multilayered tale is much more than that. What they lived for is the matter at hand. If you look far enough; just as Uusma did; you'll find out.Just like love; this book is imperfect. It leaves some things to be desired. It can be choppy and incomplete. I guarantee you; you'll wish some things were done differently. But what great works don't? And with that in mind; if given a chance; you'll be captivated by what is an honest reflection of our humanity and the struggles we face when we aspire to more.Purchase or borrow. Enjoy. In the end it will have been worth it!- GL
