Author Description
Bernard Lewis is recognized around the globe as one of the leading authorities on Islam. Hailed as "the world's foremost Islamic scholar" (Wall Street Journal ), as "a towering figure among experts on the culture and religion of the Muslim world" (Baltimore Sun ), and as "the doyen of Middle Eastern studies" (New York Times ), Lewis is nothing less than a national treasure, a trusted voice that politicians, journalists, historians, and the general public have all turned to for insight into the Middle East. Now, Lewis has brought together writings on religion and government in the Middle East, so different than in the Western world. The collection includes previously unpublished writings, English originals of articles published before only in foreign languages, and an introduction to the book by Lewis.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the historical and structural divergence between religious authority and political governance in the Middle East compared to Western models. Bernard Lewis, a preeminent scholar of Islamic history, utilizes his extensive expertise to analyze the evolution of these institutions. By synthesizing previously unpublished writings and rare English translations of his earlier essays, Lewis provides a framework for understanding the unique interplay between faith and state power in the region.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical analysis of the relationship between religious institutions and political leadership in the Middle East.
- Comparative studies contrasting Islamic governance models with Western secular frameworks.
- A compilation of over 50 scholarly journal articles and essays spanning several decades of research.
- Contextual insights into the cultural and religious foundations that influence contemporary regional politics.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and critics consistently identify Lewis as a foundational authority whose long-term historical perspective provides necessary clarity amidst modern political discourse. Readers frequently note the academic rigor and depth of the prose, which serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of Middle Eastern history.
Page Count:
230
Publication Date:
2010-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199752818
ISBN-13:
9780199752812
Religion
History
Middle Eastern
East and West
Middle East
International relations
Islam
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