Politics, Gender, and the Islamic Past: The Legacy of 'A'isha bint Abi Bakr / Edition 1

by D. A. Spellberg

Overview

In this extraordinary study, D. A. Spellberg examines the life of 'A'isha bint Abi Bakr, Muhammad's most beloved and controversial wife, and a central figure in Islamic cultural history. Instead of employing the traditional chronological technique of the biographer, however, Spellberg uses 'A'isha as a lens through which to examine the place of women in Islamic societies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231079990
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	06/13/1996
Series:	Legacy of 'A'isha Bint ABI Bakr
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	243
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.05(h) x 0.67(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

D. A. Spellberg is associate professor of history and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments
1. Approaches to the Study of a Legacy: An Introduction
2. Priveledges and Problems: The Shaping of 'A'isha's Historical Persona
3. The Accusation of Adultery and Communal Debate
4. Gender and the Politics of Succession
5. The Politics of Praise: 'A'isha and the Development of Islamic Female Ideals
6. The Last Word: A Note in Conclusion
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Illustrations

Editorial Reviews

The book is a rare treat. Well researched and well written, it approaches the issue of Islamic biography from a fresh and engaging perspective.... An exciting contribution to the developing body of literature identified under the general but changing rubric of feminist.

International Journal of Middle East Studies

Praise for the previous edition:"The book is a rare treat. Well researched and well written, it approaches the issue of Islamic biography from a fresh and engaging perspective.... An exciting contribution to the developing body of literature identified under the general but changing rubric of feminist."— International Journal of Middle East Studies"A compelling contribution to the study of Islamic social and intellectual history. It deserves to be widely read.... Historians of gender and religion -- specifically those with an interest in the processes by which women are alienated from meaningful, or at least open, participation in socio-religious life -- will find much of interest here. Teachers of Islamic religion and historiography have, in this book, a valuable if advanced text with which to engage their students."— Journal of the American Oriental Society"Politics, Gender, and the Islamic Past makes for enjoyable reading as a welcome addition to works which attempt to acquaint the West with Islam. It is especially commendable that the author has been able to address a nonspecialist audience.... The book also includes a very useful glossary, an elaborate bibliography, and an excellent analytical index."— Iranian Studies"Interesting and well written.... Spellberg's work provides a valuable perception of 'A'isha's significance to generations of Muslims."— British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies"A very competent history."— The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences"Readers will differ with some of Spellberg's conclusions, but few will doubt the value of her approach. Detailed set of notes; glossary of names and technical terms; superb bibliography. Highly recommended."— Choice

Columbia University Press

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