In this thought-provoking book; Ali Mirsepassi explores the concept of modernity and exposes the Eurocentric prejudices underlying its development. He provides a new interpretation of Islamic Fundamentalism through a detailed analysis of the ideas of key Islamic intellectuals and argues that the Iranian Revolution was not a simple clash between modernity and tradition but an attempt to accommodate modernity within a sense of authentic Islamic identity and culture. He concludes by assessing the future of secularism and democracy in the Middle East in general; and in Iran in particular.
#251363 in Books Jonathan P Berkey 2002-12-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .79 x 5.98l; 1.10 #File Name: 0521588138301 pagesThe Formation of Islam Religion and Society in the Near East 600 1800
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Real DealBy CustomerRefreshingly; this is history; undiluted by tradition. The book does an excellent job of developing the history of Islam within the context of other contemporaneous faith traditions. (I wish it hadn't taken me nearly a dozen other books to get here.) This is not a "fast read"; Berkey uses vocabulary with precision; and there is a potential diversion on every other page. So the truly interested reader will want easy access to something like Google Search; though this is not intended as criticism as the author has set himself the formidable task of covering 1200 years in 300 pages. Islamic history often introduces to the reader a bewildering array of names unfamiliar to western ears; Berkey is very judicious in his choices in that historical figures; once introduced; tend to reappear later in the text. Nicely done.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book but NOT the Kindle versionBy opusI felt this book provided an excellent over-view of the evolution of Islam and; for me; a better understanding of the underlying political and theological issues facing the Middle East today. Unfortunately; I found the Kindle version very disappointing and certainly not worth the price. The only font available was the one used in the original paper version which appeared on the Kindle as if it it were a photo copy made on a machine low on ink; all of which made it very difficult on the eyes. Furthermore; there is no way you can recall your the notes and hi-lighting on the Kindle (I am using the newest version 3 of the Paperwhite); however; I am able to do so on my iPad with the Kindle app - go figure. Bottom line is I highly recommend the book; but be sure to purchase it in paperback.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. The development of IslamBy Robert C. WheelerThis book argues that the development of a distinctly Islamic religious and social identity took years; if not centuries to develop. It did not spring full blown from the mind of Mohammed.While the thesis of the book is stated initially; the development of the argument is too often interrupted by frequent modifiers or asides; which interrupt the thread or flow of the argument. A chronological ordering of events would be a great help. It would also be helpful if Arabic words or phrases were translated parenthetically in the text or in a footnote.The above critique makes this book a difficult read.
