The African and Middle Eastern World, 600-1500 / Edition 1

by Randall L. Pouwels

Overview

The history of the African and Middle Eastern world is, to a large extent, the story of a religion-Islam-and how it claimed millions of followers across empires and kingdoms. First proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century, Islam quickly spread, through trade and conquest, from the Arabian Peninsula to vast sections of Asia and Africa and even to parts of Europe. The cast of characters in this story is fascinating: from the Prophet himself to Abu Bakr Muhammad ar-Razi, a Persian physician who compiled a multivolume medical encyclopedia; Mehmed II, an Ottomon sultan who conquered Constantinople and brought the Byzantine Empire to an end; Mansa Musa, a West African emperor who distributed gifts of gold all along the route to Mecca; and Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan Berber whose travels through the Islamic world in the 14th century covered 75,000 miles.

The pages of The African and Middle Eastern World tell not only about these figures and many others but also about Islamic principles and laws, the religion's different branches (including the Sunnis and Shiites), and the widely varied geography and cultural practices of this world. Also covered are people like the Shona of Southern Africa, who remained outside of Islam's long reach. Numerous primary sources-including excerpts from an eighth-century biography of Muhammad, "The Tale of King Sinbad and the Falcon" from The Thousand and One Nights, and a story about leadership from the West African oral tradition-further illuminate this history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195176735
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/25/2005
Series:	Medieval & Early Modern World Series , #2
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	178
Product dimensions:	9.46(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.67(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Randall L. Pouwels is a Professor of History at the University of Central Arkansas. His books include World Civilizations Volume I and II and History of Islam in Africa.

Editorial Reviews

"This accessible and attractive volume is a wonderful introduction to the medieval Islamic world."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

Gr 9 Up-By bringing to life major figures in the medieval Islamic world, Pouwels presents a unique perspective on the Muslim world and the early development and spread of Islam throughout the Middle East and North and West Africa. Through his descriptive text, the author places readers in the midst of the action, allowing them to witness what it might have been like to live as a young caravan guide in A.D. 600. Thereafter, chapters are enlivened by the lives and exploits of Muhammad and his various successors, an in-depth discussion of the appeal of Islam, and a review of the leadership of men such as Mansa Musa and Sundiata. Throughout the book, the author skillfully weaves descriptions of Islamic contributions to the arts, science, and philosophy and includes excerpts from primary sources and highlighted quotes. The informative, eclectic illustrations have detailed captions and include color reproductions, maps, and photographs of sites and artifacts. This accessible and attractive volume is a wonderful introduction to the medieval Islamic world.-Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal