Recent events in the Islamic world have demonstrated the endurance; neglect; and careful reshaping of the classical Islamic heritage. A range of modern Islamic movements and intellectuals has sought to reclaim certain concepts; ideas; persons; and trends from the Islamic tradition. This book profiles some of the fundamental debates that have defined the conversation between the past and the present in the Islamic world. Qur'anic exegesis; Islamic law; gender; violence; and eschatology are just some of the key themes in this study of the Islamic tradition's vitality in the modern Islamic world. This book will allow readers to situate modern developments in the Islamic world within the longue durée of Islamic history and thought.
#617888 in Books Osprey Publishing 2016-10-18 2016-10-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.51 x 1.30 x 6.33l; 1.53 #File Name: 1472814851400 pages9781472814852
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An unexpectedly fresh take on Operation Sea LionBy Simon M. LindsayOperation Sea Lion has always fascinated me. Of the many books on the topic that I have collected over the years; Mr. Forczyk's work is a very welcome addition . It is exceptionally well researched and the author's fresh approach to the subject is compelling. For anyone interested in the Battle of Britain/Sea Lion; this is a must read.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Shrewd and sober studyBy F. Carol SabinMy book arrived more than a month ago and since then I read it several times; as the opinions expressed by some readers - many unjustified in my opinion.I must say that; recently; I didn’t read a book about SEALION; but I consider this tome one of the most valuable recent works on the subject. I see it as a comprehensive story of the planning process and a sober capabilities analysis of an operation that didn’t occur. Having this in mind; I consider that the discussions related to “predictions†and “what if†scenarios not necessary! Since SEALION was never executed; one thing is fairly certain: both sides had strong weak capabilities/tactics that could win/lose the battle and nobody can predict the outcome nowadays!The author divided his book in 12 chapters; plus an 8-page Introduction in which he shows his thesis and objectives; I concluded that he observed the vast majority. Of course; I could sense a slight form of pro-German bias approach (probably from serving in Germany; speaking German; etc); but this did not affect the balance of the most important demonstrations of the book.Based on few examples and careful analysis Dr. Forczyk covered German British capabilities for the incoming operation and I found them impartial and clear. The incisive survey of British anti-invasion capabilities (especially Royal Navy) or the inadequate defensive preparations (C2; firepower; mobility; poor tactics; doctrinal defects; etc); were all amply reinforced with examples (that happened in some instances or locations; but not necessarily means that could happen exactly in the same fashion; in a different operational context!); that can make one reader think that; in theory; Germans missed an immense opportunity.But; the author also explored the German limitations; indecision or lack of focus - to mention just a few. In addition; this book offers insights into the strengths and weaknesses of generalship and exposes the mistakes or some neglected decisions on both fronts. The narrative is supplemented by 13 tables and 8 maps/sketches.As discussed above; for a never executed (deferred) operation; I found a little bit strange the presentation of “the likely sequence of events†as shown on pages 259-261; though I liked this SF episode. Beside this; we’ll really never find out that “an uneasy peace settling over Europe†would have been the “likely result of Seelowe†or that “If executed; SEALION would have changed the course of WW II; but probably not decisivelyâ€; but these are Dr. Forczyk’s conclusions based on his own analysis/interpretation; as is his viable option for Germans “to conduct the invasion in 1941†(unfortunately; very few details!) or to carry out successful operations elsewhere.Even with; maybe; not so convincing conclusions or delightful irony; it’s noticeable the author’s desire to reframe the way certain aspects of this operation were viewed. Revisiting and retelling many operational aspects of SEALION with a new; critical eye; supported by his own technical expertise; Dr. Forczyk’s study is a solid example of transforming the overall picture of SEALION and can be seen as an eye-opener; this is its main strength and originality.A two-part collection of black/white and color photos is adding useful info to the text and I must admit that Dr. Forczyk has a talent in linking the photo’s explanations with text. There are also 2 appendices (ORBATs for both sides and German 1st wave composition on S-tag on LA “Bâ€); an index and a notes section.In spite of some flaws or premature conclusions; I recommend this new study because it definitely sheds critical new light on our knowledge of SEALION.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Readthis BookBy Mark HardinVery good book for anyone really interested in WWII history.
