For one man to write an encyclopedia of Islam may seem presumptuous, but for readers to know that a third updated edition of it has appeared, in addition to the earlier publication by the same man of several editions of a concise form of it, may be a sobering thought, and a call for a sense of awe in view of his massive task and achievement….the entries in Glassé’s encyclopedia are informative and reliable. They describe all aspects of Islam, from its beliefs, rituals, and prayers to its religious sects and political movements; and they deal with its social institutions and artistic achievements as well as with its spiritual expression and mystical content.
Visually appealing and easy to consult.... Simple, clearly written, and accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of Islam.
Muhammed Hassanalin Reference Books Annual
One can wonder whether in all the human sciences there is greater need for a reference work than for this one....It is more than just a new reference work on Islam that is up-to-date and has been kept within manageable compass; in the long run it can help its users to see the phenomenon of Islam in a new light.
A faithful guide: Islam unveiled. This invaluable Encyclopedia of Islam ....serves as an indispensible guide.
Glasse provides an accessible and sympathetic introduction for the general reader....Entries are extensively cross-referenced....That an individual scholar produced a single-volume reference work of this scope and historical depth is impressive.
Praise for previous editions: This grand, beautifully illustrated book is a feast of fact and insight about this ancient religion of 800 million believers. An enormous amount of information is contained here, all of it fascinating.....
The Review of Higher Education
Cyril Glassé has achieved a miracle, 1200 readable entries. He deals with Islam not merely as a religion but also as a culture.
Visually appealing and easy to consult.... Simple, clearly written, and accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of Islam.
March 2009 Muhammed Hassanalin Reference Books Annual
Glasse provides an accessible and sympathetic introduction for the general reader....Entries are extensively cross-referenced....That an individual scholar produced a single-volume reference work of this scope and historical depth is impressive.
Glasse has extensively revised the 2001 edition of this valuable tool for the study of Islam....This work excels as one of the premier reference sources on Islam, with thorough, unbiased analysis....The extensive updates from the previous edition make this volume a worthwhile purchase for academic libraries' reference collection. Highly recommended.
December 2008 Choice Reviews
Visually appealing and easy to consult.... Simple, clearly written, and accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of Islam.
American Reference Books Annual, March 2009 - Muhammed Hassanali
Glasse has extensively revised the 2001 edition of this valuable tool for the study of Islam....This work excels as one of the premier reference sources on Islam, with thorough, unbiased analysis....The extensive updates from the previous edition make this volume a worthwhile purchase for academic libraries' reference collection. Highly recommended.
Glasse has extensively revised the 2001 edition of this valuable tool for the study of Islam....This work excels as one of the premier reference sources on Islam, with thorough, unbiased analysis....The extensive updates from the previous edition make this volume a worthwhile purchase for academic libraries' reference collection. Highly recommended.
Praise for previous editions:
This grand, beautifully illustrated book is a feast of fact and insight about this ancient religion of 800 million believers. An enormous amount of information is contained here, all of it fascinating.
Review Of Higher Education
This grand, beautifully illustrated book is a feast of fact and insight about this ancient religion of 800 million believers. An enormous amount of information is contained here, all of it fascinating.
People and places, historical events, and terms of both practice and philosophy of Islam are defined or discussed at length, recognizing exoteric and esoteric traditions. No sectarian bias is evident. Briefer entries often refer to longer articles where the term is placed in context. Art and literature are discussed only so far as they have contributed to religious thought. Several color plates adorn rather than illustrate the text. An appendix includes historical maps genealogical, dynastic, and sectarian charts, and a chronology. A popular rather than academic work. The binding is weak for a reference volume of this thickness. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
This grand, beautifully illustrated book is a feast of fact and insight about this ancient religion of 800 million believers. An enormous amount of information is contained here, all of it fascinating.....
The acclaimed New Encyclopedia of Islam has been completely revised, updated, and redesigned in a fresh, larger format, with more than 1,500 entries. It is unique as a single-volume work that encompasses the beliefs, practices, history, and culture of the Islamic world. The book is suitable for novices and scholars alike.
Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
The acclaimed New Encyclopedia of Islam has been completely revised, updated, and redesigned in a fresh, larger format, with more than 1,500 entries. It is unique as a single-volume work that encompasses the beliefs, practices, history, and culture of the Islamic world. The book is suitable for novices and scholars alike.
Interpretation:A Journal Of Bible & Theology
The acclaimed New Encyclopedia of Islam has been completely revised, updated, and redesigned in a fresh, larger format, with more than 1,500 entries. It is unique as a single-volume work that encompasses the beliefs, practices, history, and culture of the Islamic world. The book is suitable for novices and scholars alike.
Interpretation: A Journal Of Bible and Theology
This reference work is highly recommended for all types and sizes of libraries. There are simply no other sources of comparable quality, especially in one volume and at a reasonable price. Curiosity about the Islamic faith is at an all-time high in the Western world, and any library staff wanting a good source for answering questions in a balanced and fair manner should have the New Encyclopedia of Islam close at hand. It comes very highly recommended for all libraries.
CHOICE, June 2002 - Mark T. Bay
We must give full credit to the author for his sincere efforts in accomplishing what is undoubtedly a painstaking feat of gigantic proportions....There are some very useful charts, maps, plans and geographical tables and the overall presentation is neatly packaged.
The first major reference work about Islam to be written by a Muslim for a Western audience...A successful explanation of what Islam means to its believers as well as an outline of historical data....The 1200 entries cover an extraordinary range of Islamic literature and history as well as the religion itself. The maps and chronologies are particularly valuable.
The Middle Eastern Economic Digest
The acclaimed New Encyclopedia of Islam has been completely revised, updated, and redesigned in a fresh, larger format, with more than 1,500 entries. It is unique as a single-volume work that encompasses the beliefs, practices, history, and culture of the Islamic world. The book is suitable for novices and scholars alike.
Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
This will prove to be a useful reference tool for students, scholars, librarians on most aspects of classical Islam and its history. For the student of classical Islam....An excellent guide.
In this fourth edition, Glassé completely revises, updates, and redesigns an important work. Though this volume now appears in a larger format, with over 1,500 entries, the author keeps it within manageable parameters. Like previous editions, this single-volume work encompasses the beliefs, practices, history, and culture of the Islamic world. In this fourth edition, Glassé outdoes himself by providing an extensive and authoritative chronology of one of the world's great religions from its origins to present-day developments. Also included are four appendixes titled 'Maps,' 'Mecca and the Hajj,' 'Branches of Islam,' and 'Genealogical Tables.' This beautifully illustrated and clearly written book provides a myriad of facts and insights about Islam that many readers–novices and scholars alike–will find informative, interesting, and enlightening. Even those with no prior knowledge of Islam should find it easy to comprehend. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers.
